Display device including protective circuit

ABSTRACT

A protective circuit includes a non-linear element, which includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode, a pair of first and second wiring layers whose end portions overlap with the gate electrode over the gate insulating layer and in which a second oxide semiconductor layer and a conductive layer are stacked, and a first oxide semiconductor layer which overlaps with at least the gate electrode and which is in contact with the gate insulating layer, side face portions and part of top face portions of the conductive layer and side face portions of the second oxide semiconductor layer in the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer. Over the gate insulating layer, oxide semiconductor layers with different properties are bonded to each other, whereby stable operation can be performed as compared with Schottky junction. Thus, the junction leakage can be decreased and the characteristics of the non-linear element can be improved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a display device including an oxidesemiconductor.

BACKGROUND ART

A thin film transistor formed over a flat plate such as a glasssubstrate is manufactured using amorphous silicon or polycrystallinesilicon, as typically seen in a liquid crystal display device. A thinfilm transistor manufactured using amorphous silicon has low fieldeffect mobility, but such a transistor can be formed over a glasssubstrate with a larger area. On the other hand, a thin film transistormanufactured using polycrystalline silicon has high field effectmobility, but a crystallization step such as laser annealing isnecessary and such a transistor is not always suitable for a largerglass substrate.

In view of the foregoing, attention has been drawn to a technique bywhich a thin film transistor is manufactured using an oxidesemiconductor, and such a transistor is applied to an electronic deviceor an optical device. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document2 disclose a technique by which a thin film transistor is manufacturedusing zinc oxide (ZnO) or an In—Ga—Zn—O based oxide semiconductor as anoxide semiconductor film and such a transistor is used as a switchingelement or the like of an image display device.

-   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Published Patent Application No.    2007-123861-   [Patent Document 2] Japanese Published Patent Application No.    2007-96055

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A thin film transistor in which a channel formation region is formedusing an oxide semiconductor has characteristics as follows: theoperation speed is higher than that of a thin film transistor includingamorphous silicon and the manufacturing process is simpler than that ofa thin film transistor including polycrystalline silicon. That is, theuse of an oxide semiconductor makes it possible to manufacture a thinfilm transistor with high field effect mobility even at low temperaturesof 300° C. or lower.

In order to take advantage of the features of a display device includingan oxide semiconductor, which is superior in operating characteristicsand capable of manufacture at low temperatures, a protective circuit andthe like including appropriate structures are necessary. Moreover, it isimportant to ensure the reliability of the display device including anoxide semiconductor.

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide astructure which is suitable as a protective circuit.

In a display device intended for a variety of purposes manufactured bystacking, in addition to an oxide semiconductor, an insulating film anda conductive film, an object of an embodiment of the present inventionis to prevent a defect due to peeling of a thin film.

An embodiment of the present invention is a display device in which aprotective circuit is formed using a non-linear element including anoxide semiconductor. This non-linear element includes a combination ofoxide semiconductors with different oxygen contents.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a display devicewhich includes scan lines and signal lines provided over a substratehaving an insulating surface so as to intersect with each other, a pixelportion in which pixel electrodes are arranged in matrix, and anon-linear element formed from an oxide semiconductor in a regionoutside the pixel portion. The pixel portion includes a thin filmtransistor in which a channel formation region is formed in a firstoxide semiconductor layer. The thin film transistor in the pixel portionincludes a gate electrode connected to the scan line, a first wiringlayer which is connected to the signal line and which is in contact withthe first oxide semiconductor layer, and a second wiring layer which isconnected to the pixel electrode and which is in contact with the firstoxide semiconductor layer. Moreover, the non-linear element is providedbetween the pixel portion and a signal input terminal disposed at theperiphery of the substrate. The non-linear element includes a gateelectrode; a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode; a pairof a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer each of which isformed by stacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductorlayer and whose end portions overlap with the gate electrode over thegate insulating layer; and a first oxide semiconductor layer whichoverlaps with at least the gate electrode and which is in contact withthe gate insulating layer, side face portions and part of top faceportions of the conductive layer and side face portions of the secondoxide semiconductor layer in the first wiring layer and the secondwiring layer. The gate electrode of the non-linear element is connectedto the scan line or the signal line and the first wiring layer or thesecond wiring layer of the non-linear element is connected to the gateelectrode via a third wiring layer so that the potential of the gateelectrode is applied to the first wiring layer or the second wiringlayer.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a display devicewhich includes scan lines and signal lines provided over a substratehaving an insulating surface so as to intersect with each other, a pixelportion including pixel electrodes arranged in matrix, and a protectivecircuit in a region outside the pixel portion. The pixel portionincludes a thin film transistor in which a channel formation region isformed in a first oxide semiconductor layer. The thin film transistor inthe pixel portion includes a gate electrode connected to the scan line,a first wiring layer which is connected to the signal line and which isin contact with the first oxide semiconductor layer, and a second wiringlayer which is connected to the pixel electrode and which is in contactwith the first oxide semiconductor layer. In the region outside thepixel portion, a protective circuit for connecting the scan line and acommon wiring to each other and a protective circuit for connecting thesignal line and a common wiring to each other are provided. Theprotective circuit includes a non-linear element, which includes a gateelectrode; a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode; a pairof a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer which is formed bystacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer andwhose end portions overlap with the gate electrode over the gateinsulating layer; and a first oxide semiconductor layer which overlapswith at least the gate electrode and which is in contact with the gateinsulating layer, side face portions and part of top face portions ofthe conductive layer and side face portions of the second oxidesemiconductor layer in the first wiring layer and the second wiringlayer. Moreover, the gate electrode of the non-linear element isconnected to the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer via athird wiring layer.

Here, the first oxide semiconductor layer includes oxygen at higherconcentration than the second oxide semiconductor layer. That is, thefirst oxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-excess type, while the secondoxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-deficiency type. The second oxidesemiconductor layer has n-type conductivity and the first oxidesemiconductor layer has lower electrical conductivity than the secondoxide semiconductor layer. The first oxide semiconductor layer and thesecond oxide semiconductor layer are non-single-crystal; preferably, thefirst oxide semiconductor layer has an amorphous structure and thesecond oxide semiconductor layer includes a crystal grain (nanocrystal)in an amorphous structure in some cases.

Note that the ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” in thisspecification are used for convenience and do not denote the order ofsteps and the stacking order of layers. In addition, the ordinal numbersin this specification do not denote particular names which specify theinvention.

In this specification, a semiconductor film formed from an oxidesemiconductor including In, Ga, and Zn is also referred to as “an IGZOsemiconductor film” and a semiconductor layer formed from such an oxidesemiconductor is also referred to as “an IGZO semiconductor layer.”

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display devicehaving a structure suitable as a protective circuit can be provided byforming the protective circuit with use of a non-linear elementincluding an oxide semiconductor. When the non-linear element has astacked structure where the gate insulating layer and the oxidesemiconductor layer are in contact with each other, a defect of aprotective circuit which is caused by peeling of a thin film can beprevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a positional relationship among signal inputterminals, scan lines, signal lines, protective circuits includingnon-linear elements, and a pixel portion in a display device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a protective circuit.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a protective circuit.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views illustrating an example of a protectivecircuit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a protectivecircuit.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views illustrating a process formanufacturing a protective circuit.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views illustrating a process formanufacturing a protective circuit.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views illustrating an example of a protectivecircuit.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views illustrating an example of a protectivecircuit.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of electronic paper.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are each a block diagram of a semiconductor device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a structure of a signal line driver circuit.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of operation of a signal line driver circuit.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart of operation of a signal line driver circuit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a shift register.

FIG. 16 illustrates a connection structure of a flip-flop of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 17A-1 and 17A-2 are top views and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectionalview, each illustrating a semiconductor device of Embodiment 5.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device ofEmbodiment 5.

FIG. 19 illustrates an equivalent circuit of a pixel in a semiconductordevice of Embodiment 6.

FIGS. 20A to 20C each illustrate a semiconductor device of Embodiment 6.

FIG. 21A is a top view and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view, bothdescribing a semiconductor device of Embodiment 6.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate examples of applications of electronicpaper.

FIG. 23 is an external view illustrating an example of an electronicbook device.

FIG. 24A is an external view of an example of a television device andFIG. 24B is an external view of an example of a digital photo frame.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are external views illustrating examples of gamemachines.

FIG. 26 is an external view illustrating an example of a cellular phone.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described belowwith reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited tothe description below and it is easily understood by those skilled inthe art that the mode and details can be changed variously withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore,the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to whatis described in the embodiments described below. Note that a referencenumeral denoting the same portion in all figures is used in common inthe structures of the present invention which is explained below.

Embodiment 1

In Embodiment 1, an example of a display device including a pixelportion and a protective circuit including a non-linear element providedaround the pixel portion is described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a positional relationship among signal inputterminals, scan lines, signal lines, protective circuits includingnon-linear elements, and a pixel portion in a display device. Over asubstrate 10 having an insulating surface, scan lines 13 and signallines 14 intersect with each other to form a pixel portion 17.

The pixel portion 17 includes a plurality of pixels 18 arranged inmatrix. The pixel 18 includes a pixel transistor 19 connected to thescan line 13 and the signal line 14, a storage capacitor portion 20, anda pixel electrode 21.

In the pixel structure illustrated here, one electrode of the storagecapacitor portion 20 is connected to the pixel transistor 19 and theother electrode is connected to a capacitor line 22. Moreover, the pixelelectrode 21 forms one electrode which drives a display element (such asa liquid crystal element, a light-emitting element, or a contrast medium(electronic ink)). The other electrode of such a display element isconnected to a common terminal 23.

A protective circuit is provided between the pixel portion 17, and ascan line input terminal 11 and a signal line input terminal 12. InEmbodiment 1, a plurality of protective circuits is provided. Therefore,even though surge voltage due to static electricity and the like isapplied to the scan line 13, the signal line 14, and a capacitor busline 27, the pixel transistor 19 and the like are not broken.Accordingly, the protective circuit has a structure for releasing chargeto a common wiring 29 or a common wiring 28 when surge voltage isapplied to the protective circuit.

In Embodiment 1, a protective circuit 24 is provided on the scan line 13side, a protective circuit 25 is provided on the signal line 14 side,and a protective circuit 26 is provided on the capacitor bus line 27side. Needless to say, the structures of the protective circuits are notlimited to those above.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the protective circuit. This protectivecircuit includes a non-linear element 30 and a non-linear element 31which are arranged in parallel to each other with the scan line 13interposed therebetween. Each of the non-linear element 30 and thenon-linear element 31 includes a two-terminal element such as a diode ora three-terminal element such as a transistor. For example, thenon-linear element can be formed through the same steps as the pixeltransistor of the pixel portion. For example, characteristics similar tothose of a diode can be achieved by connecting a gate terminal to adrain terminal of the non-linear element.

A first terminal (gate) and a third terminal (drain) of the non-linearelement 30 are connected to the scan line 13, and a second terminal(source) thereof is connected to the common wiring 29. A first terminal(gate) and a third terminal (drain) of the non-linear element 31 areconnected to the common wiring 29, and a second terminal (source)thereof is connected to the scan line 13. That is, the protectivecircuit illustrated in FIG. 2 includes two transistors whose rectifyingdirections are opposite to each other along the scan line 13 and whichconnect the scan line 13 and the common wiring 29 to each other. Inother words, between the scan line 13 and the common wiring 29, thereare a transistor whose rectifying direction is from the scan line 13 tothe common wiring 29 and a transistor whose rectifying direction is fromthe common wiring 29 to the scan line 13.

In the protective circuit illustrated in FIG. 2, in the case where thescan line 13 is charged positively or negatively with respect to thecommon wiring 29 due to static electricity or the like, current flows ina direction that cancels the charge. For example, if the scan line 13 ispositively charged, current flows in a direction in which the positivecharge is released to the common wiring 29. Owing to this operation, theelectrostatic breakdown or the shift in threshold voltage of the pixeltransistor 19 connected to the charged scan line 13 can be prevented.Moreover, it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown of theinsulating film between the charged scan line 13 and another wiring thatintersects with the charged scan line 13 with an insulating layerinterposed therebetween.

Note that in FIG. 2, a pair of the non-linear element 30 whose firstterminal (gate) is connected to the scan line 13 and the non-linearelement 31 whose first terminal (gate) is connected to the common wiring29 is used; that is, the rectifying directions of the non-linear element30 and the non-linear element 31 are opposite to each other. The commonwiring 29 and the scan line 13 are connected in parallel to each othervia the second terminal (source) and the third terminal (drain) of eachnon-linear element. As another structure, a non-linear element may befurther added in parallel connection, so that the operation stability ofthe protective circuit may be enhanced. For example, FIG. 3 illustratesa protective circuit including a non-linear element 30 a and anon-linear element 30 b, and a non-linear element 31 a and a non-linearelement 31 b, which is provided between the scan line 13 and the commonwiring 29. This protective circuit includes four non-linear elements intotal: two non-linear elements (30 b and 31 b), a first terminal (gate)of each of which is connected to the common wiring 29 and two non-linearelements (30 a and 31 a), a first terminal (gate) of each of which isconnected to the scan line 13. That is to say, two pairs of non-linearelements are connected between the common wiring 29 and the scan line13, each pair including two non-linear elements provided so that theirrectifying directions are opposite to each other. In other words,between the scan line 13 and the common wiring 29, there are twotransistors the rectifying direction of each of which is from the scanline 13 to the common wiring 29 and two transistors the rectifyingdirection of each of which is from the common wiring 29 to the scan line13. When the common wiring 29 and the scan line 13 are connected to eachother with the four non-linear elements in this manner, it is possibleto prevent, even if surge voltage is applied to the scan line 13 andmoreover even if the common wiring 29 is charged by static electricityor the like, the charge from directly flowing through the scan line 13.Note that FIG. 9A illustrates an example in which four non-linearelements 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, and 740 d are provided over a substrateand FIG. 9B is an equivalent circuit diagram thereof. Note thatreference numerals 650 and 651 in FIGS. 9A and 9B denote a scan line anda common wiring, respectively.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of providing a protective circuit whichis formed using an odd number of non-linear elements over a substrate,and FIG. 8B is an equivalent circuit diagram thereof. In this circuit, anon-linear element 730 b and a non-linear element 730 a are connected toa non-linear element 730 c as switching elements. By the serialconnection of the non-linear elements in this manner, instantaneous loadapplied to the non-linear elements of the protective circuit can bedeconcentrated. Note that reference numerals 650 and 651 in FIGS. 8A and8B denote a scan line and a common wiring, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the protective circuit which isprovided on the scan line 13 side; however, a protective circuit with asimilar structure can be provided on the signal line 14 side.

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating an example of a protective circuitand FIG. 4B is an equivalent circuit diagram thereof. FIG. 5 is across-sectional view taken along line Q1-Q2 of FIG. 4A. A structureexample of the protective circuit is described below with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B and FIG. 5.

The non-linear element 30 a and the non-linear element 30 b include agate electrode 15 and a gate electrode 16, respectively, which areformed using the same layer as the scan line 13. A gate insulating layer37 is formed over the gate electrode 15 and the gate electrode 16. Afirst wiring layer 38 and a second wiring layer 39 are provided over thegate insulating film 37 so as to face with each other over the gateelectrode 15. Note that the non-linear element 30 a and the non-linearelement 30 b have the same structure in the main portion.

A first oxide semiconductor layer 36 is provided so as to cover a regionbetween the first wiring layer 38 and the second wiring layer 39 whichface with each other. That is, the first oxide semiconductor layer 36 isprovided so as to overlap with the gate electrode 15 and be in contactwith the gate insulating layer 37, and side face portions and part oftop face portions of and the first wiring layer 38 and the second wiringlayer 39. Here, the first wiring layer 38 and the second wiring layer 39each have a structure in which a second oxide semiconductor layer 40 anda conductive layer 41 are stacked in that order from the gate insulatinglayer 37 side. The gate insulating layer 37 is formed from an oxide suchas silicon oxide or aluminum oxide.

The first oxide semiconductor layer 36 has higher oxygen concentrationthan the second oxide semiconductor layer 40. In other words, the firstoxide semiconductor layer 36 is oxygen-excess type, while the secondoxide semiconductor layer 40 is oxygen-deficiency type. Since thedonor-type defects can be reduced by increasing the oxygen concentrationof the first oxide semiconductor layer 36, there are advantageouseffects of longer carrier lifetime and higher mobility. On the otherhand, when the oxygen concentration of the second oxide semiconductorlayer 40 is made lower than that of the first oxide semiconductor layer36, the carrier concentration can be increased and the second oxidesemiconductor layer 40 can be utilized for forming a source region and adrain region.

An oxide semiconductor is non-single-crystal, and preferably, the firstoxide semiconductor layer 36 has an amorphous structure and the secondoxide semiconductor layer 40 includes a crystal grain (nanocrystal) inan amorphous structure in some cases. Then, the first oxidesemiconductor layer 36 has a characteristic that the electricalconductivity thereof is lower than that of the second oxidesemiconductor layer 40. Therefore, the second oxide semiconductor layers40 used as the components of the first wiring layer 38 and the secondwiring layer 39 in the non-linear element 30 a and the non-linearelement 30 b of Embodiment 1 can have functions similar to those of asource region and a drain region of a transistor.

The first oxide semiconductor layer 36 and the second oxidesemiconductor layer 40 are formed from a non-single-crystal oxidesemiconductor, typically, zinc oxide (ZnO), or an oxide semiconductormaterial including In, Ga, and Zn.

End portions of the first wiring layer 38 and the second wiring layer 39overlap with the gate electrode 15, and the first wiring layer 38 andthe second wiring layer 39 each have a structure in which the secondoxide semiconductor layer 40 and the conductive layer 41 are stacked inthat order from the gate insulating layer 37 side. The second oxidesemiconductor layer 40 is provided in contact with the gate insulatinglayer 37 and the first oxide semiconductor layer 36 is provided incontact with side face portions of the second oxide semiconductor layer40 and side face portions and part of top face portions of theconductive layer 41. Over the gate insulating layer 37, the oxidesemiconductor layers having different physical properties as above arebonded to each other. When the non-linear element 30 a and thenon-linear element 30 b have such a bonding structure, the operation canbe made stable as compared to a non-linear element having Schottkyjunction formed in the case where the first wiring layer 38 and thesecond wiring layer 39 are formed using only metal layers. Moreover, theamount of junction leakage can be reduced and the characteristics of thenon-linear element 30 a and the non-linear element 30 b can be improved.

The adhesion between the gate insulating layer 37, and the first oxidesemiconductor layer 36 and the second oxide semiconductor layer 40 isfavorable and peeling of a thin film does not easily occur. That is, thefirst wiring layer 38 and the second wiring layer 39 are in closecontact with each other as compared with the case where a metal wiringof aluminum or the like is directly formed in contact with the gateinsulating layer 37; therefore, a defect of a protective circuit whichis caused by peeling of a thin film can be prevented.

An interlayer insulating layer 42 is provided over the first oxidesemiconductor layer 36. The interlayer insulating layer 42 is formedfrom an oxide such as silicon oxide or aluminum oxide. When siliconnitride, aluminum nitride, silicon oxynitride, or aluminum oxynitride isstacked over silicon oxide or aluminum oxide, the function as theprotective film can be enhanced.

In any case, when the interlayer insulating layer 42 being in contactwith the first oxide semiconductor layer 36 is an oxide, it is possibleto prevent oxygen from being extracted from the first oxidesemiconductor layer 36 and prevent the first oxide semiconductor layer36 from changing into an oxygen-deficiency type.

The interlayer insulating layer 42 is provided with a contact hole 43where the scan line 13 formed using the same layer as the gate electrode15 is connected to a third terminal (drain) of the non-linear element 30a. This connection is made by a third wiring layer 44 formed using thesame material as the pixel electrode of the pixel portion. The thirdwiring layer 44 is formed from a material which is used for forming atransparent electrode, for example, from indium tin oxide (ITO), zincoxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO₂), or the like. Thus, the third wiring layer44 has higher resistance than a wiring formed from a metal material.When the protective circuit includes the wirings including such aresistance component, it is possible to prevent an excessive amount ofcurrent from flowing through the non-linear element 30 a and thenon-linear element 30 a from being destroyed.

Although FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIG. 5 illustrate the example of theprotective circuit provided at the scan line 13, a similar protectivecircuit can be applied to a signal line, a capacitor bus line, or thelike.

According to Embodiment 1, by the provision of the protective circuitincluding the non-linear element formed from the oxide semiconductor inthis manner, a display device having a structure which is suitable as aprotective circuit can be provided. Further, a defect of a protectivecircuit which is caused by peeling of a thin film can be prevented.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 2, an embodiment of a process for manufacturing theprotective circuit illustrated in FIG. 4A in Embodiment 1 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIGS. 7A to 7C. FIGS. 6A to 6C andFIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views taken along line Q1-Q2 of FIG.4A.

In FIG. 6A, a glass substrate of barium borosilicate glass,aluminoborosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or the like availablein the market can be used as the substrate 100 having alight-transmitting property. For example, a glass substrate whichincludes more barium oxide (BaO) than boric acid (B₂O₃) in compositionratio and whose strain point is 730° C. or higher is preferable. This isbecause the glass substrate is not strained even in the case where theoxide semiconductor layer is thermally processed at high temperatures ofabout 700° C.

Next, a conductive layer is formed entirely over the substrate 100.After that, a resist mask is formed by a first photolithography process,and an unnecessary portion is removed by etching to form wirings and anelectrode (such as a gate wiring including a gate electrode 101, acapacitor wiring, and a terminal). At this time, the etching isperformed so that at least an end portion of the gate electrode 101 istapered. Also, a scan line 108 is formed using the same layer as thegate electrode 101.

The gate wiring including the gate electrode 101, the capacitor wiring,and the terminal of a terminal portion are desirably formed from alow-resistance conductive material such as aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu);however, since aluminum alone has disadvantages such as low heatresistance and a tendency to be corroded, it is used in combination witha conductive material having heat resistance. As the conductive materialhaving heat resistance, an element selected from titanium (Ti), tantalum(Ta), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), and neodymium (Nd),an alloy containing the above element as its component, an alloy film inwhich some of the above elements are combined, or a nitride containingthe above element as its component may be used. FIG. 6A is across-sectional view at this stage.

Subsequently, a gate insulating layer 102 is formed entirely over thegate electrode 101. The gate insulating layer 102 is formed by asputtering method or the like to a thickness of 50 to 250 nm.

For example, a silicon oxide film is formed by a sputtering method to athickness of 100 nm as the gate insulating layer 102. Needless to say,the gate insulating layer 102 is not limited to such a silicon oxidefilm and may be a single layer or a stack of layers including anotherinsulating film such as a silicon oxynitride film, a silicon nitridefilm, an aluminum oxide film, or a tantalum oxide film.

Next, a second oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gateinsulating layer 102 by a sputtering method. Here, sputtering depositionis performed under the condition where a target includes indium oxide(In₂O₃), gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃), and zinc oxide (ZnO) at a compositionratio of 1:1:1 (=In₂O₃:Ga₂O₃:ZnO), the pressure in a deposition chamberis set at 0.4 Pa, the electric power is set at 500 W, the depositiontemperature is set to room temperature, and the argon gas flow rate isset at 40 sccm. Thus, a semiconductor film including In, Ga, Zn, andoxygen is formed as the second oxide semiconductor film. Although thetarget where the composition ratio is In₂O₃:Ga₂O₃:ZnO=1:1:1 is usedintentionally, an oxide semiconductor film including a crystal grainwhich has a size of 1 nm to 10 nm just after the deposition is oftenobtained. It can be said that the presence or absence of crystal grainsand the density of crystal grains can be controlled and the diameter ofthe crystal grain can be adjusted within 1 nm to 10 nm, all by adjustingas appropriate, the deposition condition of reactive sputtering, such asthe target composition ratio, the deposition pressure (0.1 Pa to 2.0Pa), the electric power (250 W to 3000 W: 8 inchesφ), the temperature(room temperature to 100° C.), and the like. The thickness of the secondoxide semiconductor film is set to 5 nm to 20 nm. Needless to say, inthe case where the film includes crystal grains, the size of the crystalgrain does not exceed the film thickness. In Embodiment 2, the secondoxide semiconductor film has a thickness of 5 nm.

Next, a conductive film is formed from a metal material over the secondoxide semiconductor film by a sputtering method or a vacuum evaporationmethod. As the material of the conductive film, there are an elementselected from Al, Cr, Ta, Ti, Mo, and W, an alloy including the aboveelement, an alloy film in which some of the above elements are combined,and the like. Here, the conductive film has a three-layer structure inwhich a Ti film is formed, an aluminum (Al) film is stacked over the Tifilm, and another Ti film is stacked over the Al film. Alternatively,the conductive film may have a two-layer structure in which a titaniumfilm is stacked over an aluminum film. Further alternatively, theconductive film may have a single-layer structure of an aluminum filmincluding silicon or a titanium film.

The gate insulating layer, the second oxide semiconductor film, and theconductive film can be formed by a sputtering method successivelywithout exposure to the air by changing the gas introduced to thechamber and the target set in the chamber as appropriate. The successivedeposition without exposure to the air can prevent impurity mixture. Inthe case of successive deposition without exposure to the air, amanufacturing apparatus of multichamber type is preferable.

Next, a second photolithography process is performed to form a resistmask, and an unnecessary portion of the conductive film is removed byetching. Thus, a source electrode layer 105 a and a drain electrodelayer 105 b are formed. The etching may be wet etching or dry etching.Here, dry etching is performed using as a reactive gas, a mixed gas ofSiCl₄, Cl₂, and BCl₃ to etch the conductive film in which the Ti film,the Al film, and the Ti film are stacked in this order. Thus, the sourceelectrode layer 105 a and the drain electrode layer 105 b are formed.

Next, the second oxide semiconductor film is etched in a self-aligningmanner by using the source electrode layer 105 a and the drain electrodelayer 105 b as masks. Here, wet etching is performed using IT007Nproduct of Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) to remove an unnecessary portion;thus, a source region 106 a and a drain region 106 b are formed. Notethat the etching performed here may be dry etching instead of wetetching. A cross-sectional view after the resist mask is removed isshown in FIG. 6B.

Next, plasma treatment is performed. Here, reverse sputtering whereplasma is generated after introduction of an oxygen gas and an argon gasinto a deposition chamber is performed, so that the exposed gateinsulating layer is irradiated with oxygen radicals or oxygen. Thus,dust adhering to the surface is removed and moreover the surface of thegate insulating layer is modified into an oxygen-excess region. It iseffective to perform the oxygen radical treatment on the surface of thegate insulating layer so that the surface is made into an oxygen-excessregion, in point of that an oxygen source for modifying the interface ofthe first oxide semiconductor layer is made in thermal treatment (200°C. to 600° C.) for increasing the reliability in a later step. Across-sectional view when this step is completed is shown in FIG. 6C.

Next, the first oxide semiconductor film is formed in such a manner thatthe substrate on which the plasma treatment has been performed is notexposed to the air. The first oxide semiconductor film formed in such amanner that the substrate on which the plasma treatment has beenperformed is not exposed to the air can avoid the trouble that dust ormoisture adheres to the interface between the gate insulating layer andthe semiconductor film. Here, the first oxide semiconductor film isformed in an oxygen atmosphere under the condition where the target isan oxide semiconductor target including In, Ga, and Zn (compositionratio is In₂O₃:Ga₂O₃:ZnO=1:1:1) with a diameter of 8 inches, thedistance between the substrate and the target is set at 170 mm, thepressure is set at 0.4 Pa, and the direct current (DC) power supply isset at 0.5 kW. Note that a pulse direct current (DC) power supply ispreferable because dust can be reduced and the film thickness can beuniform. The thickness of the first oxide semiconductor film is set to 5nm to 200 nm. The thickness of the first oxide semiconductor film inEmbodiment 2 is 100 nm.

When the first oxide semiconductor film is formed under a conditiondifferent from that of the second oxide semiconductor film, the firstoxide semiconductor film has a different composition from that of thesecond oxide semiconductor film; for example, the first oxidesemiconductor film has higher oxygen concentration than the second oxidesemiconductor film. In this case, the ratio of the oxygen gas flow rateto the argon gas flow rate in the deposition condition of the firstoxide semiconductor film is set higher than that of the second oxidesemiconductor film. Specifically, the second oxide semiconductor film isformed in a rare gas (such as argon or helium) atmosphere (or a gasincluding oxygen at 10% or less and argon at 90% or more), while thefirst oxide semiconductor film is formed in an oxygen atmosphere (or amixed gas of oxygen and argon with the flow rate of oxygen being morethan that of argon). When the first oxide semiconductor film includesmore oxygen than the second oxide semiconductor film, the first oxidesemiconductor film can have lower electrical conductivity than thesecond oxide semiconductor film. Moreover, when the first oxidesemiconductor film includes a large amount of oxygen, the amount of offcurrent can be reduced; therefore, a thin film transistor with a highon/off ratio can be provided.

The first oxide semiconductor film may be formed in the same chamber asthe chamber where the reverse sputtering is performed previously, or maybe formed in a different chamber from the chamber where the reversesputtering is performed previously as long as the deposition can beperformed without exposure to the air.

Next, thermal treatment at 200° C. to 600° C., typically 300° C. to 500°C., is preferably performed. Here, thermal treatment is performed in afurnace at 350° C. for an hour in a nitrogen atmosphere. This thermaltreatment allows atoms of the IGZO semiconductor films to be rearranged.Since the distortion that interrupts carrier movement is released bythis thermal treatment, the thermal treatment here (includingphoto-annealing) is important. There is no particular limitation on whento perform the thermal treatment as long as it is performed after theformation of the first oxide semiconductor film; for example, it may beperformed after the formation of the pixel electrode.

Next, a third photolithography process is performed to form a resistmask, and an unnecessary portion is removed by etching. Thus, the firstoxide semiconductor layer 103 is formed. Here, wet etching is performedusing ITO07N (product of Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.); thus, the firstoxide semiconductor layer 103 is formed. Note that since the first oxidesemiconductor film and the second oxide semiconductor film are dissolvedin the same etchant, the etching performed here removes part of thesecond oxide semiconductor film. A portion of the second oxidesemiconductor film (IGZO semiconductor film), which is covered with theresist mask and the first oxide semiconductor film, is protected;however, an end portion of the second oxide semiconductor film which isexposed is slightly etched. Therefore, the shape of the end portionthereof changes. Note that the etching of the first oxide semiconductorlayer 103 is not limited to wet etching and may be dry etching. Then,the resist mask is removed. Through these steps, the non-linear element30 a in which the first oxide semiconductor layer 103 is a channelformation region is completed. A cross-sectional view at this point isshown in FIG. 7A.

Next, a protective insulating film 107 covering the non-linear element30 a is formed. The protective insulating film 107 can be formed using asilicon nitride film, a silicon oxide film, a silicon oxynitride film,an aluminum oxide film, a tantalum oxide film, or the like which can bedeposited by a sputtering method or the like.

Next, a fourth photolithography process is performed to form a resistmask, and the protective insulating film 107 is etched. Thus, a contacthole 125 that reaches the drain electrode layer 105 b is formed. It ispreferable that a contact hole 126 that reaches the gate electrode beformed by etching the gate insulating layer 102 with the use of the sameresist mask, because the number of photomasks can be reduced. The resistmask is removed and a cross-sectional view at this point is shown inFIG. 7B.

Next, a third wiring layer 128 is formed. When the third wiring layer128 is formed using a transparent conductive film, a pixel electrode canbe formed together with a film to be the third wiring layer 128. As thematerial of the transparent conductive film, there are indium oxide(In₂O₃), indium oxide-tin oxide alloy (In₂O₃—SnO₂, abbreviated as ITO),and the like and the third wiring layer is formed by a sputteringmethod, a vacuum evaporation method, or the like. Etching treatment ofsuch materials is performed using a chlorinated acid based solution.However, since etching of ITO particularly tends to leave residue, analloy of indium oxide and zinc oxide (In₂O₃—ZnO) may be used in order toimprove etching processability. The transparent conductive film isetched in this manner to be the third wiring layer 128.

Next, a fifth photolithography process is performed to form a resistmask, and an unnecessary portion of the transparent conductive film isremoved by etching. Thus, a pixel electrode is formed in a pixel portionwhich is not shown.

In the fifth photolithography process, a storage capacitor is formed bythe capacitor wiring and the pixel electrode in a capacitor portionwhich is not shown, using the gate insulating layer 102 and theprotective insulating film 107 as dielectrics.

In the fifth photolithography process, the terminal portion is coveredwith the resist mask so that the transparent conductive film formed inthe terminal portion remains. The transparent conductive film is usedfor an electrode or a wiring for connection with an FPC or used for aterminal electrode or the like for connection which functions as aninput terminal of a source wiring.

Moreover, in Embodiment 2, the drain electrode layer 105 b of thenon-linear element 30 a is connected to the scan line 108 in the contactholes 125 and 126 via the third wiring layer 128 formed using thetransparent conductive film.

Next, the resist mask is removed. A cross-sectional view at this pointis shown in FIG. 7C.

Through the five photolithography processes performed in the abovemanner, the protective circuit having the plurality of non-linearelements (in Embodiment 2, the two non-linear elements 30 a and 30 b)can be completed by using the five photomasks. According to Embodiment2, a plurality of TFTs can be completed by a similar method togetherwith the non-linear elements. Therefore, a pixel portion includingbottom-gate n-channel TFTs and a protective circuit can be manufacturedat the same time. In other words, a board for an active matrix displaydevice, on which a protective diode having few defects in a protectivecircuit due to peeling of a thin film is mounted, can be manufactured inaccordance with the steps described in Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 illustrates an example of electronic paper in which aprotective circuit and a TFT in a pixel portion are provided over onesubstrate, as a display device to which an embodiment of the presentinvention is applied.

FIG. 10 illustrates active matrix type electronic paper as an example ofa display device to which an embodiment of the present invention isapplied. A thin film transistor 581 used for a display device can bemanufactured in a manner similar to the non-linear element described inEmbodiment 2. The thin film transistor 581 has high electricalcharacteristics and includes a gate insulating layer on which plasmatreatment has been performed, a source region and a drain region whichare formed using an IGZO semiconductor film of oxygen-deficiency type, asource electrode layer and a drain electrode layer which are in contactwith the source region and the drain region respectively, and an IGZOsemiconductor layer of oxygen-excess type which is in contact with thesource region and the drain region.

The electronic paper in FIG. 10 is an example of a display device inwhich a twisting ball display system is employed. The twisting balldisplay system refers to a method in which spherical particles eachcolored in black and white are arranged between a first electrode layerand a second electrode layer which are electrode layers used for adisplay element, and a potential difference is generated between thefirst electrode layer and the second electrode layer to controlorientation of the spherical particles, so that display is performed.

The thin film transistor 581 has a bottom-gate structure in which thesource electrode layer or the drain electrode layer is electricallyconnected to a first electrode layer 587 in an opening formed in aninsulating layer 585. Between the first electrode layer 587 and a secondelectrode layer 588, spherical particles 589 are provided. Eachspherical particle 589 includes a black region 590 a, a white region 590b, and a cavity 594 filled with liquid around the black region 590 a andthe white region 590 b. The circumference of the spherical particle 589is filled with filler 595 such as a resin or the like (see FIG. 10).Note that reference numerals 580, 583, 584 and 596 in FIG. 10 denote asubstrate, interlayer insulating layer, protective film and a substrate,respectively.

Further, instead of the twisting ball, an electrophoretic element can beused. A microcapsule having a diameter of about 10 μm to 200 μm, whichis filled with transparent liquid, positively-charged whitemicroparticles and negatively-charged black microparticles, is used. Inthe microcapsule which is provided between the first electrode layer andthe second electrode layer, when an electric field is applied by thefirst electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the whitemicroparticles and the black microparticles move to opposite sides toeach other, so that white or black can be displayed. A display elementusing this principle is an electrophoretic display element, and iscalled electronic paper in general. The electrophoretic display elementhas higher reflectance than a liquid crystal display element, and thus,an assistant light is unnecessary. Moreover, power consumption is lowand a display portion can be recognized in a dusky place. Furthermore,an image which is displayed once can be retained even when power is notsupplied to the display portion. Accordingly, a displayed image can bestored even though a semiconductor device having a display function(which is also referred to simply as a display device or a semiconductordevice provided with a display device) is distanced from an electricwave source which serves as a power supply.

According to Embodiment 3, a display device having a structure suitableas a protective circuit can be provided by forming the protectivecircuit with use of the non-linear element including the oxidesemiconductor. In the connection structure between the first oxidesemiconductor layer of the non-linear element and the wiring layers, theprovision of the region which is bonded with the second oxidesemiconductor layer, which has higher electrical conductivity than thefirst oxide semiconductor layer, allows stable operation as comparedwith the case of using only metal wirings. Accordingly, a defect due topeeling of a thin film does not easily occur. In this manner, accordingto Embodiment 3, electronic paper with high reliability as a displaydevice can be completed.

Embodiment 3 can be implemented in combination with the structuredescribed in another Embodiment as appropriate.

Embodiment 4

Embodiment 4 describes an example of manufacturing at least a protectivecircuit, part of a driver circuit, and a thin film transistor of a pixelportion over one substrate in a display device which is an example of asemiconductor device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The thin film transistor in the pixel portion is formed in a mannersimilar to the non-linear element described in Embodiment 2. The thinfilm transistor is formed to be an n-channel TFT; therefore, part of adriver circuit, which can be formed using an n-channel TFT, is formedover the same substrate as the thin film transistor in the pixelportion.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a block diagram of an active matrixliquid crystal display device which is an example of a semiconductordevice according to an embodiment of the present invention. The displaydevice illustrated in FIG. 11A includes over a substrate 5300, a pixelportion 5301 including a plurality of pixels each provided with adisplay element; a scan line driver circuit 5302 that selects eachpixel; and a signal line driver circuit 5303 that controls a videosignal input to a selected pixel.

The pixel portion 5301 is connected to the signal line driver circuit5303 with a plurality of signal lines S1 to Sm (not shown) extending ina column direction from the signal line driver circuit 5303 andconnected to the scan line driver circuit 5302 with a plurality of scanlines G1 to Gn (not shown) extending in a row direction from the scanline driver circuit 5302. The pixel portion 5301 includes a plurality ofpixels (not shown) arranged in matrix corresponding to the signal linesS1 to Sm and the scan lines G1 to Gn. In addition, each of the pixels isconnected to a signal line Sj (any one of the signal lines S1 to Sm) anda scan line Gi (any one of the scan lines G1 to Gn).

The thin film transistor can be formed as an n-channel TFT by a methodsimilar to that of the non-linear element described in Embodiment 2, anda signal line driver circuit including an n-channel TFT is describedwith reference to FIG. 12.

The signal line driver circuit in FIG. 12 includes a driver IC 5601,switch groups 5602_1 to 5602_M, a first wiring 5611, a second wiring5612, a third wiring 5613, and wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M. Each of theswitch groups 5602_1 to 5602_M includes a first thin film transistor5603 a, a second thin film transistor 5603 b, and a third thin filmtransistor 5603 c.

The driver IC 5601 is connected to the first wiring 5611, the secondwiring 5612, the third wiring 5613, and the wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M.Each of the switch groups 5602_1 to 5602_M is connected to the firstwiring 5611, the second wiring 5612, the third wiring 5613, and one ofthe wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M corresponding to the switch groups 5602_1to 5602_M, respectively. Each of the wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M isconnected to three signal lines through the first thin film transistor5603 a, the second thin film transistor 5603 b, and the third thin filmtransistor 5603 c. For example, the wiring 5621_J of the J-th column(one of the wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M) is connected to a signal lineSj−1, a signal line Sj, and a signal line Sj+1 through the first thinfilm transistor 5603 a, the second thin film transistor 5603 b, and thethird thin film transistor 5603 c of the switch group 5602_J.

Note that a signal is input to each of the first wiring 5611, the secondwiring 5612, and the third wiring 5613.

Note that the driver IC 5601 is preferably formed on a single-crystalsubstrate. The switch groups 5602_1 to 5602_M are preferably formed overthe same substrate as the pixel portion. Therefore, the driver IC 5601is preferably connected to the switch groups 5602_1 to 5602_M through anFPC or the like.

Next, operation of the signal line driver circuit in FIG. 12 isdescribed with reference to a timing chart of FIG. 13. FIG. 13illustrates the timing chart where a scan line Gi in the i-th row isselected. A selection period of the scan line Gi in the i-th row isdivided into a first sub-selection period Ti, a second sub-selectionperiod T2, and a third sub-selection period T3. In addition, the signalline driver circuit in FIG. 12 operates similarly to FIG. 13 even when ascan line of another row is selected.

Note that the timing chart in FIG. 13 shows the case where the wiring5621_J in the J-th column is connected to the signal line Sj−1, thesignal line Sj, and the signal line Sj+1 through the first thin filmtransistor 5603 a, the second thin film transistor 5603 b, and the thirdthin film transistor 5603 c.

The timing chart of FIG. 13 shows timing when the scan line Gi in thei-th row is selected, timing 5703 a when the first thin film transistor5603 a is turned on/off, timing 5703 b when the second thin filmtransistor 5603 b is turned on/off, timing 5703 c when the third thinfilm transistor 5603 c is turned on/off, and a signal 5721_J input tothe wiring 5621_J in the J-th column.

In the first sub-selection period TI, the second sub-selection periodT2, and the third sub-selection period T3, different video signals areinput to the wirings 5621_1 to 5621_M. For example, a video signal inputto the wiring 5621_J in the first sub-selection period T1 is input tothe signal line Sj−1, a video signal input to the wiring 5621_J in thesecond sub-selection period T2 is input to the signal line Sj, and avideo signal input to the wiring 5621_J in the third sub-selectionperiod T3 is input to the signal line Sj+1. The video signals input tothe wiring 5621_J in the first sub-selection period T1, the secondsub-selection period T2, and the third sub-selection period T3 aredenoted by Data_j−1, Data_j, and Data_j+1, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the first sub-selection period T1, the firstthin film transistor 5603 a is on, and the second thin film transistor5603 b and the third thin film transistor 5603 c are off. At this time,Data_j−1 input to the wiring 5621_J is input to the signal line Sj−1through the first thin film transistor 5603 a. In the secondsub-selection period T2, the second thin film transistor 5603 b is on,and the first thin film transistor 5603 a and the third thin filmtransistor 5603 c are off. At this time, Data_j input to the wiring5621_J is input to the signal line Sj through the second thin filmtransistor 5603 b. In the third sub-selection period T3, the third thinfilm transistor 5603 c is on, and the first thin film transistor 5603 aand the second thin film transistor 5603 b are off. At this time,Data_j+1 input to the wiring 5621_J is input to the signal line Sj+1through the third thin film transistor 5603 c.

As described above, in the signal line driver circuit of FIG. 12, onegate selection period is divided into three; thus, video signals can beinput to three signal lines from one wiring 5621 in one gate selectionperiod. Therefore, in the signal line driver circuit of FIG. 12, thenumber of connections between the substrate provided with the driver IC5601 and the substrate provided with the pixel portion can be reduced toapproximately one third of the number of signal lines. When the numberof connections is reduced to approximately one third of the number ofsignal lines, the reliability, yield, and the like of the signal linedriver circuit in FIG. 12 can be improved.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the arrangement, number,driving method, and the like of the thin film transistors, as long asone gate selection period is divided into a plurality of sub-selectionperiods and video signals are input to a plurality of signal lines fromone wiring in each of the plurality of sub-selection periods as shown inFIG. 12.

For example, when video signals are input to three or more signal linesfrom one wiring in each of three or more sub-selection periods, a thinfilm transistor and a wiring for controlling the thin film transistormay be added as needed. Note that when one gate selection period isdivided into four or more sub-selection periods, one sub-selectionperiod becomes short. Therefore, one gate selection period is preferablydivided into two or three sub-selection periods.

As another example, as shown in a timing chart of FIG. 14, one selectionperiod may be divided into a precharge period Tp, the firstsub-selection period T1, the second sub-selection period T2, and thethird sub-selection period T3. The timing chart of FIG. 14 shows timingwhen the scan line Gi in the i-th row is selected, timing 5803 a whenthe first thin film transistor 5603 a is turned on/off, timing 5803 bwhen the second thin film transistor 5603 b is turned on/off, timing5803 c when the third thin film transistor 5603 c is turned on/off, anda signal 5821_J input to the wiring 5621_J in the J-th column. As shownin FIG. 14, the first thin film transistor 5603 a, the second thin filmtransistor 5603 b, and the third thin film transistor 5603 c are on inthe precharge period Tp. At this time, precharge voltage Vp input to thewiring 5621_J is input to the signal line Sj−1, the signal line Sj, andthe signal line Sj+1 through the first thin film transistor 5603 a, thesecond thin film transistor 5603 b, and the third thin film transistor5603 c, respectively. In the first sub-selection period T1, the firstthin film transistor 5603 a is on, and the second thin film transistor5603 b and the third thin film transistor 5603 c are off. At this time,Data_j−1 input to the wiring 5621_J is input to the signal line Sj−1through the first thin film transistor 5603 a. In the secondsub-selection period T2, the second thin film transistor 5603 b is on,and the first thin film transistor 5603 a and the third thin filmtransistor 5603 c are off. At this time, Data_j input to the wiring5621_J is input to the signal line Sj through the second thin filmtransistor 5603 b. In the third sub-selection period T3, the third thinfilm transistor 5603 c is on, and the first thin film transistor 5603 aand the second thin film transistor 5603 b are off. At this time,Data_j+1 input to the wiring 5621_J is input to the signal line Sj+1through the third thin film transistor 5603 c.

As described above, in the signal line driver circuit of FIG. 12, towhich the timing chart of FIG. 14 is applied, the signal line can beprecharged by providing the precharge period before the sub-selectionperiods. Thus, a video signal can be written to a pixel with high speed.Note that portions in FIG. 14 which are similar to those in FIG. 13 aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of thesame portions or portions having similar functions is omitted.

Now, a constitution of the scan line driver circuit is described. Thescan line driver circuit includes a shift register and a buffer. Also, alevel shifter may be included in some cases. In the scan line drivercircuit, when a clock signal (CLK) and a start pulse signal (SP) areinput to the shift register, a selection signal is produced. Thegenerated selection signal is buffered and amplified by the buffer, andthe resulting signal is supplied to a corresponding scan line. Gateelectrodes of transistors in pixels corresponding to one line areconnected to the scan line. Further, since the transistors in the pixelsof one line have to be turned on at the same time, a buffer which canfeed a large amount of current is used.

An example of a shift register used as part of the scan line drivercircuit is described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

FIG. 15 illustrates a circuit configuration of the shift register. Theshift register shown in FIG. 15 includes a plurality of flip-flops(flip-flops 5701_1 to 5701 _(—) n). Further, the shift register isoperated by inputting a first clock signal, a second clock signal, astart pulse signal, and a reset signal.

Connection relationships of the shift register in FIG. 15 are described.In the flip-flop 5701 _(—) i (one of the flip-flops 5701_1 to 5701 _(—)n) of the i-th stage in the shift register of FIG. 15, a first wiring5501 shown in FIG. 16 is connected to a seventh wiring 5717 _(—) i−1; asecond wiring 5502 shown in FIG. 16 is connected to a seventh wiring5717 _(—) i+1; a third wiring 5503 shown in FIG. 16 is connected to aseventh wiring 5717 _(—) i; and a sixth wiring 5506 shown in FIG. 16 isconnected to a fifth wiring 5715.

Further, a fourth wiring 5504 shown in FIG. 16 is connected to a secondwiring 5712 in flip-flops of odd-numbered stages, and is connected to athird wiring 5713 in flip-flops of even-numbered stages. A fifth wiring5505 shown in FIG. 16 is connected to a fourth wiring 5714.

Note that the first wiring 5501 shown in FIG. 16 of the flip-flop 5701_1of a first stage is connected to a first wiring 5711, and the secondwiring 5502 shown in FIG. 16 of the flip-flop 5701 _(—) n of an n-thstage is connected to a sixth wiring 5716.

The first wiring 5711, the second wiring 5712, the third wiring 5713,and the sixth wiring 5716 may be referred to as a first signal line, asecond signal line, a third signal line, and a fourth signal line,respectively. The fourth wiring 5714 and the fifth wiring 5715 may bereferred to as a first power supply line and a second power supply line,respectively.

FIG. 16 illustrates the detail of the flip-flop shown in FIG. 15. Aflip-flop shown in FIG. 16 includes a first thin film transistor 5571, asecond thin film transistor 5572, a third thin film transistor 5573, afourth thin film transistor 5574, a fifth thin film transistor 5575, asixth thin film transistor 5576, a seventh thin film transistor 5577,and an eighth thin film transistor 5578. Note that the first thin filmtransistor 5571, the second thin film transistor 5572, the third thinfilm transistor 5573, the fourth thin film transistor 5574, the fifththin film transistor 5575, the sixth thin film transistor 5576, theseventh thin film transistor 5577, and the eighth thin film transistor5578 are n-channel transistors, and are brought into conduction when avoltage (V_(gs)) between a gate and a source exceeds a threshold voltage(V_(th)).

Now, a connection structure of the flip-flop shown in FIG. 16 isdescribed below.

A first electrode (one of a source electrode or a drain electrode) ofthe first thin film transistor 5571 is connected to the fourth wiring5504, and a second electrode (the other of the source electrode or thedrain electrode) of the first thin film transistor 5571 is connected tothe third wiring 5503.

A first electrode of the second thin film transistor 5572 is connectedto the sixth wiring 5506. A second electrode of the second thin filmtransistor 5572 is connected to the third wiring 5503.

A first electrode of the third thin film transistor 5573 is connected tothe fifth wiring 5505. A second electrode of the third thin filmtransistor 5573 is connected to a gate electrode of the second thin filmtransistor 5572. A gate electrode of the third thin film transistor 5573is connected to the fifth wiring 5505.

A first electrode of the fourth thin film transistor 5574 is connectedto the sixth wiring 5506. A second electrode of the fourth thin filmtransistor 5574 is connected to the gate electrode of the second thinfilm transistor 5572. A gate electrode of the fourth thin filmtransistor 5574 is connected to a gate electrode of the first thin filmtransistor 5571.

A first electrode of the fifth thin film transistor 5575 is connected tothe fifth wiring 5505. A second electrode of the fifth thin filmtransistor 5575 is connected to the gate electrode of the first thinfilm transistor 5571. A gate electrode of the fifth thin film transistor5575 is connected to the first wiring 5501.

A first electrode of the sixth thin film transistor 5576 is connected tothe sixth wiring 5506. A second electrode of the sixth thin filmtransistor 5576 is connected to the gate electrode of the first thinfilm transistor 5571. A gate electrode of the sixth thin film transistor5576 is connected to the gate electrode of the second thin filmtransistor 5572.

A first electrode of the seventh thin film transistor 5577 is connectedto the sixth wiring 5506. A second electrode of the seventh thin filmtransistor 5577 is connected to the gate electrode of the first thinfilm transistor 5571. A gate electrode of the seventh thin filmtransistor 5577 is connected to the second wiring 5502. A firstelectrode of the eighth thin film transistor 5578 is connected to thesixth wiring 5506. A second electrode of the eighth thin film transistor5578 is connected to the gate electrode of the second thin filmtransistor 5572. A gate electrode of the eighth thin film transistor5578 is connected to the first wiring 5501.

Note that the point at which the gate electrode of the first thin filmtransistor 5571, the gate electrode of the fourth thin film transistor5574, the second electrode of the fifth thin film transistor 5575, thesecond electrode of the sixth thin film transistor 5576, and the secondelectrode of the seventh thin film transistor 5577 are connected isreferred to as a node 5543. The point at which the gate electrode of thesecond thin film transistor 5572, the second electrode of the third thinfilm transistor 5573, the second electrode of the fourth thin filmtransistor 5574, the gate electrode of the sixth thin film transistor5576, and the second electrode of the eighth thin film transistor 5578are connected is referred to as a node 5544.

The first wiring 5501, the second wiring 5502, the third wiring 5503,and the fourth wiring 5504 may be referred to as a first signal line, asecond signal line, a third signal line, and a fourth signal line,respectively. The fifth wiring 5505 and the sixth wiring 5506 may bereferred to as a first power supply line and a second power supply line,respectively.

Alternatively, the signal line driver circuit and the scan line drivercircuit can be manufactured using only n-channel TFTs, which can bemanufactured by a method similar to the method for manufacturing thenon-linear element and together with the non-linear element described inEmbodiment 2. Since the n-channel TFTs which can be formed by a methodsimilar to the method for manufacturing the non-linear element describedin Embodiment 2 have high mobility, the driving frequency of the drivercircuits can be increased. Further, the n-channel TFTs which can beformed by a method similar to the method for manufacturing thenon-linear element and together with the non-linear element described inEmbodiment 2 include source regions or drain regions which are formedusing an oxygen-deficiency oxide semiconductor layer including indium,gallium, and zinc. Therefore, the parasitic capacitance is decreased andthe frequency characteristic (called f-characteristic) is increased. Forexample, the scan line driver circuit including the n-channel TFTs whichcan be formed by a method similar to the method for manufacturing thenon-linear element and together with the non-linear element described inEmbodiment 2 can operate at high speed; therefore, it is possible toincrease the frame frequency or to achieve insertion of a black screen,for example.

In addition, when the channel width of the transistor in the scan linedriver circuit is increased or a plurality of scan line driver circuitsis provided, for example, higher frame frequency can be realized. When aplurality of scan line driver circuits is provided, a scan line drivercircuit for driving even-numbered scan lines is provided on one side anda scan line driver circuit for driving odd-numbered scan lines isprovided on the opposite side; thus, increase in frame frequency can berealized.

In the case of manufacturing an active matrix type light-emittingdisplay device, which is an example of a semiconductor device to whichan embodiment of the present invention is applied, a plurality of scanline driver circuits is preferably arranged because a plurality of thinfilm transistors is arranged in at least one pixel. An example of ablock diagram of an active matrix light-emitting display device isillustrated in FIG. 11B.

The light-emitting display device illustrated in FIG. 11B includes, overa substrate 5400, a pixel portion 5401 including a plurality of pixelseach provided with a display element; a first scan line driver circuit5402 and a second scan line driver circuit 5404 that select each pixel;and a signal line driver circuit 5403 that controls a video signal inputto a selected pixel.

In the case of inputting a digital video signal to the pixel of thelight-emitting display device of FIG. 11B, the pixel is put in alight-emitting state or non-light-emitting state by switching on/off ofthe transistor. Thus, grayscale can be displayed using an area ratiograyscale method or a time ratio grayscale method. An area ratiograyscale method refers to a driving method by which one pixel isdivided into a plurality of subpixels and the respective subpixels aredriven separately based on video signals so that grayscale is displayed.Further, a time ratio grayscale method refers to a driving method bywhich a period during which a pixel is in a light-emitting state iscontrolled so that grayscale is displayed.

Since the response time of light-emitting elements is shorter than thatof liquid crystal elements or the like, the light-emitting elements aresuitable for a time ratio grayscale method. Specifically, in the case ofdisplaying by a time grayscale method, one frame period is divided intoa plurality of subframe periods. Then, in accordance with video signals,the light-emitting element in the pixel is put in a light-emitting stateor a non-light-emitting state in each subframe period. By dividing aframe into a plurality of subframes, the total length of time in whichpixels actually emit light in one frame period can be controlled withvideo signals to display grayscales.

Note that in the light-emitting display device of FIG. 11B, in the casewhere one pixel includes a switching TFT and a current control TFT, asignal which is input to a first scan line serving as a gate wiring ofthe switching TFT is generated from the first scan line driver circuit5402 and a signal which is input to a second scan line serving as a gatewiring of the current control TFT is generated from the second scan linedriver circuit 5404. However, the signal which is input to the firstscan line and the signal which is input to the second scan line may begenerated together from one scan line driver circuit. In addition, forexample, there is a possibility that a plurality of the first scan linesused for controlling the operation of the switching element be providedin each pixel depending on the number of transistors included in theswitching element. In this case, the signals which are input to theplurality of the first scan lines may be generated all from one scanline driver circuit or may be generated from a plurality of scan linedriver circuits.

Even in the light-emitting display device, part of the driver circuitwhich can be formed using the n-channel TFT can be provided over onesubstrate together with the thin film transistor of the pixel portion.Moreover, the signal line driver circuit and the scan line drivercircuit can be manufactured using only the n-channel TFTs which can beformed by a method similar to the method for manufacturing thenon-linear element and together with the non-linear element described inEmbodiment 2.

The aforementioned driver circuit may be used for not only a liquidcrystal display device or a light-emitting display device but alsoelectronic paper in which electronic ink is driven by utilizing anelement electrically connected to a switching element. The electronicpaper is also called an electrophoretic display device (electrophoreticdisplay) and has advantages in that it has the same level of readabilityas regular paper, it has less power consumption than other displaydevices, and it can be set to have a thin and light form.

There are a variety of modes of electrophoretic displays. Theelectrophoretic display is a device in which a plurality ofmicrocapsules each including first particles having positive charge andsecond particles having negative charge are dispersed in a solvent or asolute, and an electrical field is applied to the microcapsules so thatthe particles in the microcapsules move in opposite directions from eachother, and only a color of the particles gathered on one side isdisplayed. Note that the first particles or the second particles includea colorant, and does not move when there is not electric field. Also, acolor of the first particles is different from a color of the secondparticles (the particles may also be colorless).

Thus, the electrophoretic display utilizes a so-called dielectrophoreticeffect, in which a substance with high dielectric constant moves to aregion with high electric field. The electrophoretic display does notrequire a polarizing plate and a counter substrate, which are necessaryfor a liquid crystal display device, so that the thickness and weightthereof are about half.

That which the microcapsules are dispersed in a solvent is calledelectronic ink, and this electronic ink can be printed on a surface ofglass, plastic, fabric, paper, or the like. Color display is alsopossible with the use of a color filter or particles including acoloring matter.

In addition, an active matrix type display device can be completed byproviding as appropriate, a plurality of the microcapsules over anactive matrix substrate so as to be interposed between two electrodes,and can perform display by application of electric field to themicrocapsules. For example, the active matrix substrate obtained usingthe thin film transistors which can be formed by a method similar to themethod for manufacturing the non-linear element and together with thenon-linear element described in Embodiment 2 can be used.

Note that the first particles and the second particles in themicrocapsule may be formed from one of a conductive material, aninsulating material, a semiconductor material, a magnetic material, aliquid crystal material, a ferroelectric material, an electroluminescentmaterial, an electrochromic material, and a magnetophoretic material ora composite material thereof.

According to Embodiment 4, the protective circuit is formed using thenon-linear element including an oxide semiconductor. Thus, a displaydevice having a structure suitable as a protective circuit can beprovided. In the connection structure between the first oxidesemiconductor layer of the non-linear element and the wiring layers, theprovision of the region which is bonded with the second oxidesemiconductor layer, which has higher electrical conductivity than thefirst oxide semiconductor layer, allows stable operation as comparedwith the case of using only metal wirings. Accordingly, a defect due topeeling of a thin film does not easily occur. In this manner, accordingto Embodiment 4, a display device with high reliability can bemanufactured.

Embodiment 4 can be combined with the structure disclosed in anotherEmbodiment as appropriate.

Embodiment 5

A thin film transistor can be manufactured together with a non-linearelement according to an embodiment of the present invention, and thethin film transistor can be used for a pixel portion and further for adriver circuit, so that a semiconductor device having a display function(also called a display device) can be manufactured. Moreover, a thinfilm transistor and a non-linear element according to an embodiment ofthe present invention can be used for part of a driver circuit or anentire driver circuit formed over one substrate together with a pixelportion, so that a system-on-panel can be formed.

The display device includes a display element. As the display element, aliquid crystal element (also referred to as a liquid crystal displayelement) or a light-emitting element (also referred to as alight-emitting display element) can be used. A light-emitting elementincludes, in its scope, an element whose luminance is controlled bycurrent or voltage, and specifically includes an inorganicelectroluminescent (EL) element, an organic EL element, and the like.Further, a display medium whose contrast is changed by an electriceffect, such as electronic ink, can be used.

In addition, the display device includes a panel in which a displayelement is sealed, and a module in which an IC and the like including acontroller are mounted on the panel. An embodiment of the presentinvention relates to one mode of an element substrate before the displayelement is completed in a process for manufacturing the display device,and the element substrate is provided with a means for supplying currentto the display element in each of a plurality of pixels. Specifically,the element substrate may be in a state provided with only a pixelelectrode of the display element, a state after a conductive film to bea pixel electrode is formed and before the conductive film is etched toform the pixel electrode, or any other states.

A display device in this specification refers to an image displaydevice, a display device, or a light source (including a lightingdevice). Further, the display device includes any of the followingmodules in its category: a module including a connector such as anflexible printed circuit (FPC), a tape automated bonding (TAB) tape, ora tape carrier package (TCP); a module having a TAB tape or a TCP whichis provided with a printed wiring board at the end thereof; and a modulehaving an integrated circuit (IC) which is directly mounted on a displayelement by a chip-on-glass (COG) method.

The appearance and a cross section of a liquid crystal display panel,which corresponds to one mode of a display device according to anembodiment of the present invention, will be described in Embodiment 5with reference to FIGS. 17A-1, 17A-2 and 17B. Each of FIGS. 17A-1 and17A-2 is a top view of a panel in which thin film transistors 4010 and4011 with high electrical characteristics which can be manufactured by amethod similar to the method for manufacturing the non-linear elementand together with the non-linear element, and a liquid crystal element4013 are sealed with a sealant 4005 between a first substrate 4001 and asecond substrate 4006. FIG. 17B corresponds to a cross section thereofalong M-N of FIGS. 17A-1 and 17A-2.

The sealant 4005 is provided so as to surround a pixel portion 4002 anda scan line driver circuit 4004 which are provided over the firstsubstrate 4001. The second substrate 4006 is provided over the pixelportion 4002 and the scan line driver circuit 4004. Thus, the pixelportion 4002 and the scan line driver circuit 4004 as well as a liquidcrystal layer 4008 are sealed with the sealant 4005 between the firstsubstrate 4001 and the second substrate 4006. A signal line drivercircuit 4003 that is formed using a single crystal semiconductor film ora polycrystalline semiconductor film over a substrate which is preparedseparately is mounted in a region that is different from the regionsurrounded by the sealant 4005 over the first substrate 4001.

Note that there is no particular limitation on a connection method ofthe driver circuit which is separately formed, and a known COG method,wire bonding method, TAB method, or the like can be used. FIG. 17A-1illustrates an example in which the signal line driver circuit 4003 ismounted by a COG method and FIG. 17A-2 illustrates an example in whichsignal line driver circuit 4003 is mounted by a TAB method.

Each of the pixel portion 4002 and the scan line driver circuit 4004which are provided over the first substrate 4001 includes a plurality ofthin film transistors. FIG. 17B illustrates the thin film transistor4010 included in the pixel portion 4002 and the thin film transistor4011 included in the scan line driver circuit 4004. Insulating layers4020 and 4021 are provided over the thin film transistors 4010 and 4011.

Each of the thin film transistors 4010 and 4011 has high electricalcharacteristics and includes a gate insulating layer on which plasmatreatment has been performed, a source region and a drain region whichinclude an IGZO semiconductor film of oxygen-deficiency type, a sourceelectrode layer and a drain electrode layer which are in contact withthe source region and the drain region respectively, and an IGZOsemiconductor layer of oxygen-excess type which is in contact with thesource region and the drain region. The thin film transistors 4010 and4011 can be manufactured by a method similar to the method formanufacturing the non-linear element and together with the non-linearelement described in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 5, the thin filmtransistors 4010 and 4011 are n-channel thin film transistors.

A pixel electrode layer 4030 included in the liquid crystal element 4013is electrically connected to the thin film transistor 4010. A counterelectrode layer 4031 of the liquid crystal element 4013 is formed on thesecond substrate 4006. A portion where the pixel electrode layer 4030,the counter electrode layer 4031, and the liquid crystal layer 4008overlap with each other corresponds to the liquid crystal element 4013.Note that the pixel electrode layer 4030 and the counter electrode layer4031 are provided with an insulating layer 4032 and an insulating layer4033 serving as orientation films, respectively, and hold the liquidcrystal layer 4008 with the insulating layers 4032 and 4033 interposedtherebetween.

Note that the first substrate 4001 and the second substrate 4006 can beformed from glass, metal (typically, stainless steel), ceramic, orplastic. As plastic, a fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) plate, apolyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film, a polyester film, or an acrylic resinfilm can be used. In addition, a sheet with a structure in which analuminum foil is sandwiched between PVF films or polyester films can beused.

A columnar spacer 4035, which is formed by etching an insulating filmselectively, is provided to control a distance (a cell gap) between thepixel electrode layer 4030 and the counter electrode layer 4031.Alternatively, a spherical spacer may be used.

Alternatively, a blue phase liquid crystal without an orientation filmmay be used. A blue phase is a type of liquid crystal phase, whichappears just before a cholesteric liquid crystal changes into anisotropic phase when the temperature of the cholesteric liquid crystalis increased. A blue phase appears only within narrow temperature range;therefore, the liquid crystal layer 4008 is formed using a liquidcrystal composition in which a chiral agent of 5 wt. % or more is mixedin order to expand the temperature range. The liquid crystal compositionincluding a blue phase liquid crystal and a chiral agent has a shortresponse time of 10 μs to 100 μs, and is optically isotropic; therefore,orientation treatment is not necessary and viewing angle dependence issmall.

Note that Embodiment 5 describes an example of a transmissive liquidcrystal display device; however, an embodiment of the present inventioncan be applied to a reflective liquid crystal display device or asemi-transmissive liquid crystal display device.

Although a liquid crystal display device of Embodiment 5 has a polarizerprovided outer than the substrate (the viewer side) and a color layerand an electrode layer of a display element provided inner than thesubstrate, which are arranged in that order, the polarizer may be innerthan the substrate. The stacked structure of the polarizer and the colorlayer is not limited to that shown in Embodiment 5 and may be set asappropriate in accordance with the materials of the polarizer and thecolor layer and the condition of the manufacturing process. Further, alight-blocking film serving as a black matrix may be provided.

In Embodiment 5, in order to reduce the unevenness of the surface of thethin film transistors and to improve the reliability of the thin filmtransistors, the non-linear element described in Embodiment 2 and thethin film transistors which can be formed by a method similar to themethod for manufacturing the non-linear element are covered withprotective films or insulating layers (the insulating layers 4020 and4021) serving as planarizing insulating films. Note that the protectivefilm is provided to prevent entry of a contaminant impurity such as anorganic substance, a metal substance, or moisture floating in theatmosphere, and therefore a dense film is preferable. The protectivefilm may be formed using a single layer or a stack of layers of asilicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, asilicon nitride oxide film, an aluminum oxide film, an aluminum nitridefilm, an aluminum oxynitride film, or an aluminum nitride oxide film bya sputtering method. Although the protective film is formed by asputtering method in Embodiment 5, the method is not limited to aparticular method and may be selected from a variety of methods.

Here, the insulating layer 4020 is formed to have a stacked structure asthe protective film. Here, a silicon oxide film is formed by asputtering method as a first layer of the insulating layer 4020. The useof a silicon oxide film for the protective film provides an advantageouseffect of preventing hillock of an aluminum film used for a sourceelectrode layer and a drain electrode layer.

Moreover, a silicon nitride film is formed by a sputtering method as asecond layer of the insulating layer 4020. When a silicon nitride filmis used for the protective film, it is possible to prevent movable ionssuch as sodium from entering a semiconductor region to vary theelectrical characteristics of the TFT.

Further, after the protective film is formed, the oxide semiconductorlayer may be annealed (at 300° C. to 400° C.).

Further, the insulating layer 4021 is formed as the planarizinginsulating film. The insulating layer 4021 can be formed from an organicmaterial having heat resistance, such as polyimide, acrylic,benzocyclobutene, polyamide, or epoxy. As an alternative to such organicmaterials, it is possible to use a low-dielectric constant material (alow-k material), a siloxane-based resin, PSG (phosphosilicate glass),BPSG (borophosphosilicate glass), or the like. A siloxane-based resinmay include as a substituent at least one of fluorine, an alkyl group,and an aryl group, as well as hydrogen. Note that the insulating layer4021 may be formed by stacking a plurality of insulating films formed ofthese materials.

Note that a siloxane-based resin is a resin formed from a siloxane-basedmaterial as a starting material and having the bond of Si—O—Si. Thesiloxane-based resin may include as a substituent at least one offluorine, an alkyl group, and aromatic hydrocarbon, as well as hydrogen.

The method for the formation of the insulating layer 4021 is not limitedto a particular method and the following method can be used depending onthe material of the insulating layer 4021: a sputtering method, an SOGmethod, spin coating, dip coating, spray coating, a droplet dischargemethod (e.g., an inkjet method, screen printing, or offset printing), adoctor knife, a roll coated a curtain coated a knife coated or the like.In the case of forming the insulating layer 4021 with the use of amaterial solution, annealing (300° C. to 400° C.) may be performed onthe oxide semiconductor layer at the same time as a baking step. Whenthe baking of the insulating layer 4021 and the annealing of the oxidesemiconductor layer are performed at the same time, a semiconductordevice can be manufactured efficiently.

The pixel electrode layer 4030 and the counter electrode layer 4031 canbe formed from a light-transmitting conductive material such as indiumoxide containing tungsten oxide, indium zinc oxide containing tungstenoxide, indium oxide containing titanium oxide, indium tin oxidecontaining titanium oxide, indium tin oxide (hereinafter referred to asITO), indium zinc oxide, or indium tin oxide to which silicon oxide isadded.

A conductive composition including a conductive high molecule (alsoreferred to as a conductive polymer) can be used for the pixel electrodelayer 4030 and the counter electrode layer 4031. The pixel electrodeformed of the conductive composition has preferably a sheet resistanceof 10000 ohm/square or less and a transmittance of 70% or more at awavelength of 550 nm. Further, the resistivity of the conductive highmolecule included in the conductive composition is preferably 0.1 Ω·cmor less.

As the conductive high molecule, a so-called π-electron conjugatedconductive polymer can be used. As examples thereof, polyaniline or aderivative thereof, polypyrrole or a derivative thereof, polythiopheneor a derivative thereof, a copolymer of two or more kinds of them, andthe like can be given.

Further, a variety of signals and potentials are supplied from an FPC4018 to the signal line driver circuit 4003 which is formed separately,the scan line driver circuit 4004, and the pixel portion 4002.

In Embodiment 5, a connecting terminal electrode 4015 is formed usingthe same conductive film as the pixel electrode layer 4030 included inthe liquid crystal element 4013. A terminal electrode 4016 is formedusing the same conductive film as the source and drain electrode layersincluded in the thin film transistors 4010 and 4011.

The connecting terminal electrode 4015 is electrically connected to aterminal of the FPC 4018 through an anisotropic conductive film 4019.

Although FIGS. 17A-1, 17A-2, and 17B show an example in which the signalline driver circuit 4003 is formed separately and mounted on the firstsubstrate 4001, Embodiment 5 is not limited to this structure. The scanline driver circuit may be separately formed and then mounted, or onlypart of the signal line driver circuit or part of the scan line drivercircuit may be separately formed and then mounted.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which a liquid crystal display moduleis formed as a semiconductor device using a TFT substrate 2600manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a liquid crystal display module, inwhich the TFT substrate 2600 and a counter substrate 2601 are fixed toeach other with a sealant 2602, and a pixel portion 2603 including a TFTand the like, a display element 2604 including a liquid crystal layer,and a color layer 2605 are provided between the substrates to form adisplay region. The color layer 2605 is necessary to perform colordisplay. In the case of the RGB system, respective color layerscorresponding to colors of red, green, and blue are provided forrespective pixels. Polarizing plates 2606 and 2607 and a diffuser plate2613 are provided outside the TFT substrate 2600 and the countersubstrate 2601. A light source includes a cold cathode tube 2610 and areflective plate 2611, and a circuit board 2612 is connected to a wiringcircuit portion 2608 of the TFT substrate 2600 through a flexible wiringboard 2609 and includes an external circuit such as a control circuitand a power source circuit. The polarizing plate and the liquid crystallayer may be stacked with a retardation plate interposed therebetween.

For the liquid crystal display module, a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, anIPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, anMVA (Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) mode, a PVA (Patterned VerticalAlignment) mode, an ASM (Axially Symmetric aligned Micro-cell) mode, anOCB (Optically Compensated Birefringence) mode, an FLC (FerroelectricLiquid Crystal) mode, an AFLC (AntiFerroelectric Liquid Crystal) mode orthe like can be used.

According to Embodiment 5, a protective circuit is formed using anon-linear element including an oxide semiconductor; thus, a displaydevice having a structure suitable as a protective circuit can beprovided. In the connection structure between the first oxidesemiconductor layer of the non-linear element and the wiring layers, theprovision of the region which is bonded with the second oxidesemiconductor layer, which has higher electrical conductivity than thefirst oxide semiconductor layer, allows stable operation as comparedwith the case of using only metal wirings. Moreover, a defect due topeeling of a thin film does not easily occur. In this manner, accordingto Embodiment 5, a liquid crystal display panel with high reliabilitycan be manufactured.

Embodiment 5 can be combined with the structure disclosed in anotherEmbodiment as appropriate.

Embodiment 6

Embodiment 6 describes an example of a light-emitting display device asa display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Asan example of a display element of the display device, here, alight-emitting element utilizing electroluminescence is used.Light-emitting elements utilizing electroluminescence are classifiedaccording to whether a light emitting material is an organic compound oran inorganic compound. In general, the former is referred to as anorganic EL element, the latter as an inorganic EL element.

In an organic EL element, by application of voltage to a light-emittingelement, electrons and holes are separately injected from a pair ofelectrodes into a layer containing a light-emitting organic compound,and thus current flows. Then, those carriers (i.e., electrons and holes)are recombined, and thus, the light-emitting organic compound isexcited. When the light-emitting organic compound returns to a groundstate from the excited state, light is emitted. Owing to such amechanism, such a light emitting element is referred to as acurrent-excitation light emitting element.

The inorganic EL elements are classified according to their elementstructures into a dispersion type inorganic EL element and a thin-filmtype inorganic EL element. A dispersion type inorganic EL element has alight-emitting layer where particles of a light-emitting material aredispersed in a binder, and its light emission mechanism isdonor-acceptor recombination type light emission that utilizes a donorlevel and an acceptor level. A thin-film type inorganic EL element has astructure where a light-emitting layer is sandwiched between dielectriclayers, which are further sandwiched between electrodes, and its lightemission mechanism is localized type light emission that utilizesinner-shell electron transition of metal ions. Note that an organic ELelement is used as a light-emitting element in this example.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a pixel structure to which digitaltime grayscale driving can be applied, as an example of a semiconductordevice to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

A structure and operation of a pixel to which digital time grayscaledriving can be applied are described. In this example, one pixelincludes two n-channel transistors in each of which a channel formationregion includes a first oxide semiconductor layer and which can beformed by a method similar to the method for manufacturing thenon-linear element described in Embodiment 2.

A pixel 6400 includes a switching transistor 6401, a driver transistor6402, a light-emitting element 6404, and a capacitor 6403. A gate of theswitching transistor 6401 is connected to a scan line 6406, a firstelectrode (one of a source electrode and a drain electrode) of theswitching transistor 6401 is connected to a signal line 6405, and asecond electrode (the other of the source electrode and the drainelectrode) of the switching transistor 6401 is connected to a gate ofthe driver transistor 6402. The gate of the driver transistor 6402 isconnected to a power supply line 6407 through the capacitor 6403, afirst electrode of the driver transistor 6402 is connected to the powersupply line 6407, and a second electrode of the driver transistor 6402is connected to a first electrode (pixel electrode) of thelight-emitting element 6404. A second electrode of the light-emittingelement 6404 corresponds to a common electrode 6408.

The second electrode (common electrode 6408) of the light-emittingelement 6404 is set to a low power supply potential. The low powersupply potential is a potential satisfying the low power supplypotential<a high power supply potential when the high power supplypotential set to the power supply line 6407 is a reference. As the lowpower supply potential, GND, 0 V, or the like may be employed, forexample. A potential difference between the high power supply potentialand the low power supply potential is applied to the light-emittingelement 6404 and current is supplied to the light-emitting element 6404,so that the light-emitting element 6404 emits light. Here, in order tomake the light-emitting element 6404 emit light by feed of current, eachpotential is set so that the potential difference between the high powersupply potential and the low power supply potential is greater than orequal to a forward threshold voltage.

Gate capacitance of the driver transistor 6402 may be used as asubstitute for the capacitor 6403, so that the capacitor 6403 can beomitted. The gate capacitance of the driver transistor 6402 may beformed between the channel region and the gate electrode.

In the case of a voltage-input voltage driving method, a video signal isinput to the gate of the driver transistor 6402 so that the drivertransistor 6402 is in either of two states of being sufficiently turnedon and turned off. That is, the driver transistor 6402 operates in alinear region. Since the driver transistor 6402 operates in a linearregion, a voltage higher than the voltage of the power supply line 6407is applied to the gate of the driver transistor 6402. Note that avoltage higher than or equal to (voltage of the power supply line+Vth ofthe driver transistor 6402) is applied to the signal line 6405.

In the case of performing analog grayscale driving instead of digitaltime grayscale driving, the same pixel structure as that in FIG. 19 canbe used by changing signal input.

In the case of performing analog grayscale driving, a voltage higherthan or equal to (forward voltage of the light-emitting element 6404+Vthof the driver transistor 6402) is applied to the gate of the drivertransistor 6402. The forward voltage of the light-emitting element 6404indicates a voltage at which a desired luminance is obtained, andincludes at least forward threshold voltage. The video signal by whichthe driver transistor 6402 operates in a saturation region is input, sothat current can be supplied to the light-emitting element 6404. Inorder for the driver transistor 6402 to operate in a saturation region,the potential of the power supply line 6407 is set higher than the gatepotential of the driver transistor 6402. When an analog video signal isused, it is possible to feed current to the light-emitting element 6404in accordance with the video signal and perform analog grayscaledriving.

The pixel structure shown in FIG. 19 is not limited thereto. Forexample, a switch, a resistor, a capacitor, a transistor, a logiccircuit, or the like may be added to the pixel shown in FIG. 19.

Next, structures of a light-emitting element are described withreference to FIGS. 20A to 20C. A cross-sectional structure of a pixel isdescribed here by taking an n-channel driver TFT as an example. DriverTFTs 7001, 7011, and 7021 used for a semiconductor device, which areillustrated in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C, can be formed by a methodsimilar to the method for manufacturing the non-linear element andtogether with the non-linear element described in Embodiment 2. Thedriver TFTs 7001, 7011, and 7021 have high electrical characteristicsand each include a gate insulating layer on which plasma treatment hasbeen performed, a source region and a drain region which include an IGZOsemiconductor film of oxygen-deficiency type, a source electrode layerand a drain electrode layer which are in contact with the source regionand the drain region respectively, and an IGZO semiconductor layer ofoxygen-excess type which is in contact with the source region and thedrain region.

In addition, in order to extract light emitted from the light-emittingelement, at least one of an anode and a cathode is required to transmitlight. A thin film transistor and a light-emitting element are formedover a substrate. A light-emitting element can have a top-emissionstructure in which light emission is extracted through the surfaceopposite to the substrate; a bottom-emission structure in which lightemission is extracted through the surface on the substrate side; or adual-emission structure in which light emission is extracted through thesurface opposite to the substrate and the surface on the substrate side.The pixel structure according to an embodiment of the present inventioncan be applied to a light-emitting element having any of these emissionstructures.

A light-emitting element with a top-emission structure is described withreference to FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of a pixel in a case where the driverTFT 7001 is an n-channel TFT and light generated in a light-emittingelement 7002 is emitted to an anode 7005 side with respect to alight-emitting layer 7004 (the side opposite to the substrate side). InFIG. 20A, a cathode 7003 of the light-emitting element 7002 iselectrically connected to the driver TFT 7001, and the light-emittinglayer 7004 and the anode 7005 are stacked in this order over the cathode7003. The cathode 7003 can be formed using any of a variety ofconductive materials as long as it has a low work function and reflectslight. For example, Ca, Al, CaF, MgAg, AlLi, or the like is preferablyused. The light-emitting layer 7004 may be formed using a single layeror by stacking a plurality of layers. When the light-emitting layer 7004is formed using a plurality of layers, the light-emitting layer 7004 isformed by stacking an electron-injecting layer, an electron-transportinglayer, a light-emitting layer, a hole-transporting layer, and ahole-injecting layer in this order over the cathode 7003. It is notnecessary to form all of these layers. The anode 7005 is formed using alight-transmitting conductive film such as a film of indium oxideincluding tungsten oxide, indium zinc oxide including tungsten oxide,indium oxide including titanium oxide, indium tin oxide includingtitanium oxide, indium tin oxide (hereinafter, referred to as ITO),indium zinc oxide, or indium tin oxide to which silicon oxide is added.

The light-emitting element 7002 corresponds to a region where thecathode 7003 and the anode 7005 sandwich the light-emitting layer 7004.In the case of the pixel shown in FIG. 20A, light is emitted from thelight-emitting element 7002 to the anode 7005 side as indicated by anarrow.

Next, a light-emitting element having the bottom-emission structure isdescribed with reference to FIG. 20B. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional viewof a pixel in the case where a driver TFT 7011 is n-channel, and lightis emitted from a light-emitting element 7012 to a cathode 7013 sidewith respect to a light-emitting layer 7014 (the substrate side). InFIG. 20B, the cathode 7013 of the light-emitting element 7012 is formedover a light-transmitting conductive film 7017 which is electricallyconnected to the driver TFT 7011, and the light-emitting layer 7014 andan anode 7015 are stacked in this order over the cathode 7013. Alight-blocking film 7016 for reflecting or blocking light may be formedso as to cover the anode 7015 when the anode 7015 has alight-transmitting property. For the cathode 7013, a variety ofmaterials can be used as in the case of FIG. 20A as long as the cathode7013 is a conductive film having a low work function. Note that thecathode 7013 is formed to have a thickness that can transmit light(preferably, approximately from 5 nm to 30 nm). For example, an aluminumfilm with a thickness of 20 nm can be used as the cathode 7013. Thelight-emitting layer 7014 may be formed of a single layer or by stackinga plurality of layers as in the case of FIG. 20A. The anode 7015 is notrequired to transmit light, but can be formed using a light-transmittingconductive material as in the case of FIG. 20A. For the light-blockingfilm 7016, metal or the like that reflects light can be used; however,it is not limited to a metal film. For example, a resin or the like towhich black pigment is added can be used.

The light-emitting element 7012 corresponds to a region where thecathode 7013 and the anode 7015 sandwich the light-emitting layer 7014.In the case of the pixel shown in FIG. 20B, light is emitted from thelight-emitting element 7012 to the cathode 7013 side as indicated by anarrow.

Next, a light-emitting element having a dual-emission structure isdescribed with reference to FIG. 20C. In FIG. 20C, a cathode 7023 of alight-emitting element 7022 is formed over a light-transmittingconductive film 7027 which is electrically connected to the driver TFT7021, and a light-emitting layer 7024 and an anode 7025 are stacked inthis order over the cathode 7023. As in the case of FIG. 20A, thecathode 7023 can be formed of any of a variety of conductive materialsas long as it is conductive and has low work function. Note that thecathode 7023 is formed to have a thickness that can transmit light. Forexample, an Al film having a thickness of 20 nm can be used as thecathode 7023. The light-emitting layer 7024 may be formed using a singlelayer or by stacking a plurality of layers as in the case of FIG. 20A.In a manner similar to FIG. 20A, the anode 7025 can be formed using alight-transmitting conductive material.

The light-emitting element 7022 corresponds to a region where thecathode 7023, the light-emitting layer 7024, and the anode 7025 overlapwith each other. In the pixel illustrated in FIG. 20C, light is emittedfrom the light-emitting element 7022 to both the anode 7025 side and thecathode 7023 side as denoted by arrows.

Although an organic EL element is described here as a light-emittingelement, an inorganic EL element can be alternatively provided as alight-emitting element.

Note that Embodiment 6 describes the example in which a thin filmtransistor (driver TFT) which controls the driving of a light-emittingelement is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, but astructure may be employed in which a current control TFT is connectedbetween the driver TFT and the light-emitting element.

The semiconductor device described in Embodiment 6 is not limited to thestructures illustrated in FIGS. 20A to 20C, and can be modified invarious ways based on the spirit of techniques according to the presentinvention.

Next, the appearance and cross section of a light-emitting display panel(also referred to as a light-emitting panel) which corresponds to onemode of a semiconductor device according to the present invention willbe described with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B. FIG. 21A is a top viewof a panel in which a light-emitting element and a thin film transistorhaving high electrical characteristics that can be manufactured over afirst substrate by a method similar to the method for manufacturing anon-linear element and together with the non-linear element according toan embodiment of the present invention is sealed between the firstsubstrate and a second substrate with a sealant, and FIG. 21B is across-sectional view along H-I of FIG. 21A.

A sealant 4505 is provided so as to surround a pixel portion 4502,signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b, and scan line drivercircuits 4504 a and 4504 b, which are provided over a first substrate4501. In addition, a second substrate 4506 is formed over the pixelportion 4502, the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b, and thescan line driver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b. Accordingly, the pixelportion 4502, the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b, and thescan line driver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b are sealed, together withfiller 4507, with the first substrate 4501, the sealant 4505, and thesecond substrate 4506. In this manner, it is preferable that the pixelportion 4502, the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b, and thescan line driver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b be packaged (sealed) with aprotective film (such as an attachment film or an ultraviolet curableresin film) or a cover material with high air-tightness and littledegasification so that the pixel portion 4502, the signal line drivercircuits 4503 a and 4503 b, and the scan line driver circuits 4504 a and4504 b are not exposed to external air.

The pixel portion 4502, the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503b, and the scan line driver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b formed over thefirst substrate 4501 each include a plurality of thin film transistors,and the thin film transistor 4510 included in the pixel portion 4502 andthe thin film transistor 4509 included in the signal line driver circuit4503 a are illustrated as an example in FIG. 21B.

Each of the thin film transistors 4509 and 4510 has high electricalcharacteristics and includes a gate insulating layer on which plasmatreatment has been performed, a source region and a drain region whichare formed using an IGZO semiconductor film of oxygen-deficiency type, asource electrode layer and a drain electrode layer which are in contactwith the source region and the drain region respectively, and an IGZOsemiconductor layer of oxygen-excess type which is in contact with thesource region and the drain region. The thin film transistors 4509 and4510 can be manufactured in a manner similar to the method formanufacturing the non-linear element and together with the non-linearelement described in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 6, the thin filmtransistors 4509 and 4510 are n-channel thin film transistors.

Moreover, reference numeral 4511 denotes a light-emitting element. Afirst electrode layer 4517 which is a pixel electrode included in thelight-emitting element 4511 is electrically connected to source anddrain electrode layers of the thin film transistor 4510. Note thatalthough the light-emitting element 4511 has a stacked structure of thefirst electrode layer 4517, an electroluminescent layer 4512, and asecond electrode layer 4513, the structure of the light-emitting element4511 is not limited to the structure shown in Embodiment 6. Thestructure of the light-emitting element 4511 can be changed asappropriate depending on a direction in which light is extracted fromthe light-emitting element 4511, or the like.

A partition wall 4520 is formed using an organic resin film, aninorganic insulating film, or organic polysiloxane. It is particularlypreferable that the partition wall 4520 be formed using a photosensitivematerial to have an opening portion on the first electrode layer 4517 sothat a sidewall of the opening portion is formed as a tilted surfacewith continuous curvature.

The electroluminescent layer 4512 may be formed using a single layer ora plurality of layers stacked.

In order to prevent entry of oxygen, hydrogen, moisture, carbon dioxide,or the like into the light-emitting element 4511, a protective film maybe formed over the second electrode layer 4513 and the partition wall4520. As the protective film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon nitrideoxide film, a DLC (diamond like carbon) film, or the like can be formed.

In addition, a variety of signals and potentials are supplied from FPCs4518 a and 4518 b to the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b,the scan line driver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b, or the pixel portion4502.

In Embodiment 6, a connecting terminal electrode 4515 is formed usingthe same conductive film as the first electrode layer 4517 included inthe light-emitting element 4511. A terminal electrode 4516 is formedusing the same conductive film as the source and drain electrode layersincluded in the thin film transistors 4509 and 4510.

The connecting terminal electrode 4515 is electrically connected to aterminal included in the FPC 4518 a through an anisotropic conductivefilm 4519.

The second substrate 4506 located in the direction in which light isextracted from the light-emitting element 4511 needs to have alight-transmitting property. In that case, a light-transmitting materialsuch as a glass plate, a plastic plate, a polyester film, or an acrylicfilm is used.

As the filler 4507, an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosettingresin as well as inert gas such as nitrogen or argon can be used. Forexample, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polyimide, an epoxy resin, asilicone resin, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)can be used. In Embodiment 6, nitrogen is used for the filler 4507.

In addition, if needed, optical films such as a polarizing plate, acircularly polarizing plate (including an elliptically polarizingplate), a retarder plate (a quarter-wave plate, a half-wave plate), anda color filter may be provided on an emission surface of thelight-emitting element, as appropriate. Further, the polarizing plate orthe circularly polarizing plate may be provided with an anti-reflectionfilm. For example, anti-glare treatment can be performed by whichreflected light is diffused in the depression/projection of the surfaceand glare can be reduced.

As the signal line driver circuits 4503 a and 4503 b and the scan linedriver circuits 4504 a and 4504 b, driver circuits formed by using asingle crystal semiconductor film or polycrystalline semiconductor filmover a substrate separately prepared may be mounted. In addition, onlythe signal line driver circuit or only part thereof, or only the scanline driver circuit or only part thereof may be separately formed to bemounted. Embodiment 6 is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 21Aand 21B.

According to Embodiment 6, a protective circuit is formed using anon-linear element including an oxide semiconductor; thus, a displaydevice having a structure suitable as a protective circuit can beprovided. In the connection structure between the first oxidesemiconductor layer of the non-linear element and the wiring layers, theprovision of the region which is bonded with the second oxidesemiconductor layer, which has higher electrical conductivity than thefirst oxide semiconductor layer, allows stable operation as comparedwith the case of using only metal wirings. Moreover, a defect due topeeling of a thin film does not easily occur. In this manner, accordingto Embodiment 6, a light-emitting display device (display panel) withhigh reliability can be manufactured.

Embodiment 6 can be combined with the structure disclosed in anotherEmbodiment as appropriate.

Embodiment 7

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention canbe applied as electronic paper. Electronic paper can be used forelectronic appliances of every field for displaying information. Forexample, electronic paper can be used for electronic book (e-book),posters, advertisement in vehicles such as trains, display in a varietyof cards such as credit cards, and so on. Examples of such electronicappliances are illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B and FIG. 23.

FIG. 22A illustrates a poster 2631 formed using electronic paper. If theadvertizing medium is printed paper, the advertisement is replaced bymanpower; however, when electronic paper to which an embodiment of thepresent invention is applied is used, the advertisement display can bechanged in a short time. Moreover, a stable image can be obtainedwithout display deterioration. Further, the poster may send and receiveinformation wirelessly.

FIG. 22B illustrates an advertisement 2632 in a vehicle such as a train.If the advertizing medium is printed paper, the advertisement isreplaced by manpower; however, when electronic paper to which anembodiment of the present invention is applied is used, theadvertisement display can be changed in a short time without muchmanpower. Moreover, a stable image can be obtained without displaydeterioration. Further, the advertisement in vehicles may send andreceive information wirelessly.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of an electronic book device 2700. Forexample, the electronic book device 2700 includes two housings 2701 and2703. The housings 2701 and 2703 are bound with each other by an axisportion 2711, along which the electronic book device 2700 is opened andclosed. With such a structure, operation as a paper book is achieved.

A display portion 2705 is incorporated in the housing 2701 and a displayportion 2707 is incorporated in the housing 2703. The display portion2705 and the display portion 2707 may display a series of images, or maydisplay different images. In the structure where different images aredisplayed in different display portions, for example, the right displayportion (the display portion 2705 in FIG. 23) displays text and the leftdisplay portion (the display portion 2707 in FIG. 23) displays images.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which the housing 2701 is providedwith an operation portion and the like. For example, the housing 2701 isprovided with a power supply 2721, an operation key 2723, a speaker2725, and the like. The page can be turned with the operation key 2723.Note that a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like may be provided onthe same plane as the display portion of the housing. Further, a rearsurface or a side surface of the housing may be provided with anexternal connection terminal (an earphone terminal, a USB terminal, aterminal which can be connected with a variety of cables such as an ACadopter or a USB cable, and the like), a storage medium insertingportion, or the like. Moreover, the electronic book device 2700 may havea function of an electronic dictionary.

Further, the electronic book device 2700 may send and receiveinformation wirelessly. Desired book data can be purchased anddownloaded from an electronic book server wirelessly.

As described in Embodiment 7, when a display device including aprotective circuit whose function has been improved by the use of anon-linear element including an oxide semiconductor and whose operationhas been made stable is mounted on an electronic appliance, it ispossible to manufacture an electronic appliance including a displaydevice with high reliability, on which a protective circuit including anon-linear element in which a defect due to peeling of a thin film doesnot easily occur is mounted.

Embodiment 7 can be combined with the structure disclosed in anotherEmbodiment as appropriate.

Embodiment 8

A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention can be applied to a variety of electronic appliances(including game machines). As the electronic appliances, there are, forexample, a television device (also called TV or a television receiver),a monitor for a computer or the like, a digital camera, a digital videocamera, a digital photo frame, a cellular phone (also called a mobilephone or a portable telephone device), a portable game machine, aportable information terminal, an audio playback device, and a largegame machine such as a pachinko machine.

FIG. 24A illustrates an example of a television device 9600. A displayportion 9603 is incorporated in a housing 9601 of the television device9600. The display portion 9603 can display images. Here, the housing9601 is supported on a stand 9605.

The television device 9600 can be operated by an operation switch of thehousing 9601 or a separate remote controller 9610. The channel andvolume can be controlled with operation keys 9609 of the remotecontroller 9610 and the images displayed in the display portion 9603 canbe controlled. Moreover, the remote controller 9610 may have a displayportion 9607 in which the information outgoing from the remotecontroller 9610 is displayed.

Note that the television device 9600 is provided with a receiver, amodem, and the like. With the use of the receiver, general televisionbroadcasting can be received. Moreover, when the display device isconnected to a communication network with or without wires via themodem, one-way (from a sender to a receiver) or two-way (between asender and a receiver or between receivers) information communicationcan be performed.

FIG. 24B illustrates an example of a digital photo frame 9700. Forexample, a display portion 9703 is incorporated in a housing 9701 of thedigital photo frame 9700. The display portion 9703 can display a varietyof images, for example, displays image data taken with a digital cameraor the like, so that the digital photo frame can function in a mannersimilar to a general picture frame.

Note that the digital photo frame 9700 is provided with an operationportion, an external connection terminal (such as a USB terminal or aterminal which can be connected to a variety of cables including a USBcable), a storage medium inserting portion, and the like. Thesestructures may be incorporated on the same plane as the display portion;however, they are preferably provided on the side surface or rearsurface of the display portion because the design is improved. Forexample, a memory including image data taken with a digital camera isinserted into the storage medium inserting portion of the digital photoframe and the image data is imported. Then, the imported image data canbe displayed in the display portion 9703.

The digital photo frame 9700 may send and receive informationwirelessly. In this case, desired image data can be wirelessly importedinto the digital photo frame 9700 and can be displayed therein.

FIG. 25A illustrates a portable game machine including a housing 9881and a housing 9891 which are jointed with a connector 9893 so as to beable to open and close. A display portion 9882 and a display portion9883 are incorporated in the housing 9881 and the housing 9891,respectively. The portable game machine illustrated in FIG. 25Aadditionally includes a speaker portion 9884, a storage medium insertingportion 9886, an LED lamp 9890, an input means (operation keys 9885, aconnection terminal 9887, a sensor 9888 (including a function ofmeasuring force, displacement, position, speed, acceleration, angularspeed, the number of rotations, distance, light, liquid, magnetism,temperature, chemical substance, sound, time, hardness, electric field,current, voltage, electric power, radiation, flow rate, humidity, tiltangle, vibration, smell, or infrared ray), a microphone 9889, and thelike). Needless to say, the structure of the portable game machine isnot limited to the above, and may be any structure as long as asemiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present inventionis provided. Moreover, another accessory may be provided as appropriate.The portable game machine shown in FIG. 25A has a function of readingout a program or data stored in a storage medium to display it on thedisplay portion, and a function of sharing information with anotherportable game machine by wireless communication. The portable gamemachine in FIG. 25A can have a variety of functions other than thoseabove.

FIG. 25B illustrates an example of a slot machine 9900, which is a largegame machine. A display portion 9903 is incorporated in a housing 9901of the slot machine 9900. The slot machine 9900 additionally includes anoperation means such as a start lever or a stop switch, a coin slot, aspeaker, and the like. Needless to say, the structure of the slotmachine 9900 is not limited to the above, and may be any structure aslong as at least a semiconductor device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is provided. Moreover, another accessory may beprovided as appropriate.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a cellular phone 1000. The cellularphone 1000 includes a housing 1001 in which a display portion 1002 isincorporated, and moreover includes an operation button 1003, anexternal connection port 1004, a speaker 1005, a microphone 1006, andthe like.

Information can be input to the cellular phone 1000 illustrated in FIG.26 by touching the display portion 1002 with a finger or the like.Moreover, making a call or text messaging can be performed by touchingthe display portion 1002 with a finger or the like.

There are mainly three screen modes of the display portion 1002. Thefirst mode is a display mode mainly for displaying an image. The secondmode is an input mode mainly for inputting information such as text. Thethird mode is a display-and-input mode in which two modes of the displaymode and the input mode are mixed.

For example, in the case of making a call or text messaging, the displayportion 1002 is set to a text input mode where text input is mainlyperformed, and text input operation can be performed on a screen. Inthis case, it is preferable to display a keyboard or number buttons onalmost the entire screen of the display portion 1002.

When a detection device including a sensor for detecting inclination,such as a gyroscope or an acceleration sensor, is provided inside thecellular phone 1000, display in the screen of the display portion 1002can be automatically switched by judging the direction of the cellularphone 1000 (whether the cellular phone 1000 is placed horizontally orvertically for a landscape mode or a portrait mode).

Further, the screen modes are switched by touching the display portion1002 or operating the operation button 1003 of the housing 1001.Alternatively, the screen modes can be switched depending on kinds ofimages displayed in the display portion 1002. For example, when a signalfor an image displayed in the display portion is data of moving images,the screen mode is switched to the display mode. When the signal is textdata, the screen mode is switched to the input mode.

Moreover, in the input mode, when input by touching the display portion1002 is not performed within a specified period while a signal detectedby an optical sensor in the display portion 1002 is detected, the screenmode may be controlled so as to be switched from the input mode to thedisplay mode.

The display portion 1002 can also function as an image sensor. Forexample, an image of a palm print, a fingerprint, or the like is takenby touching the display portion 1002 with the palm or the finger,whereby personal authentication can be performed. Moreover, when abacklight which emits near-infrared light or a sensing light sourcewhich emits near-infrared light is provided in the display portion, afinger vein, a palm vein, or the like can be taken.

As described in Embodiment 8, when a display device including aprotective circuit whose function has been improved by the use of anon-linear element including an oxide semiconductor and whose operationhas been made stable is mounted on an electronic appliance, it ispossible to manufacture an electronic appliance including a displaydevice with high reliability, on which a protective circuit including anon-linear element in which a defect due to peeling of a thin film doesnot easily occur is mounted.

Embodiment 8 can be combined with the structure disclosed in anotherEmbodiment as appropriate.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no.2008-235105 filed with Japan Patent Office on Sep. 12, 2008, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10: SUBSTRATE, 11: SCAN LINE INPUT TERMINAL, 12: SIGNAL LINE INPUT    TERMINAL, 13: SCAN LINE, 14: SIGNAL LINE, 15: GATE ELECTRODE, 16:    GATE ELECTRODE, 17: PIXEL PORTION, 18: PIXEL, 19: PIXEL TRANSISTOR,    20: STORAGE CAPACITOR PORTION, 21: PIXEL ELECTRODE, 22: CAPACITOR    LINE, 23: COMMON TERMINAL, 24: PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT, 25: PROTECTIVE    CIRCUIT, 26: PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT, 27: CAPACITOR BUS LINE, 28: COMMON    WIRING, 29: COMMON WIRING, 30: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 30 a: NON-LINEAR    ELEMENT, 30 b: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 31: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 31 a:    NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 31 b: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 36: OXIDE    SEMICONDUCTOR LAYER, 37: GATE INSULATING LAYER, 38: WIRING LAYER,    39: WIRING LAYER, 40: OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR LAYER, 41: CONDUCTIVE    LAYER, 42: INTERLAYER INSULATING LAYER, 43: CONTACT HOLE, 44: WIRING    LAYER, 100: SUBSTRATE, 101: GATE ELECTRODE, 102: GATE INSULATING    LAYER, 103: OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR LAYER, 105 a: SOURCE ELECTRODE    LAYER, 105 b: DRAIN ELECTRODE LAYER, 106 a: SOURCE REGION, 106 b:    DRAIN REGION, 107: PROTECTIVE INSULATING FILM, 108: SCAN LINE, 125:    CONTACT HOLE, 126: CONTACT HOLE, 128: WIRING LAYER, 580: SUBSTRATE,    581: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 583: INTERLAYER INSULATING LAYER, 584:    PROTECTIVE FILM, 585: INSULATING LAYER, 587: ELECTRODE LAYER, 588:    ELECTRODE LAYER, 589: SPHERICAL PARTICLE, 590 a: BLACK REGION, 590    b: WHITE REGION, 594: CAVITY, 595: FILLER, 596: SUBSTRATE, 650: SCAN    LINE, 651: COMMON WIRING, 730 a: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 730 b:    NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 730 c: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 740 a: NON-LINEAR    ELEMENT, 740 b: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 740 c: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 740    d: NON-LINEAR ELEMENT, 1000: CELLULAR PHONE, 1001: HOUSING, 1002:    DISPLAY PORTION, 1003: OPERATION BUTTON, 1004: EXTERNAL CONNECTION    PORT, 1005: SPEAKER, 1006: MICROPHONE, 2600: TFT SUBSTRATE, 2601:    COUNTER SUBSTRATE, 2602: SEALANT, 2603: PIXEL PORTION, 2604: DISPLAY    ELEMENT, 2605: COLOR LAYER, 2606: POLARIZING PLATE, 2607: POLARIZING    PLATE, 2608: WIRING CIRCUIT PORTION, 2609: FLEXIBLE WIRING BOARD,    2610: COLD CATHODE TUBE, 2611: REFLECTING PLATE, 2612: CIRCUIT    BOARD, 2613: DIFFUSER PLATE, 2631: POSTER, 2632: ADVERTISEMENT IN    VEHICLE, 2700: ELECTRONIC BOOK DEVICE, 2701: HOUSING, 2703: HOUSING,    2705: DISPLAY PORTION, 2707: DISPLAY PORTION, 2711: AXIS PORTION,    2721: POWER SUPPLY, 2723: OPERATION KEY, 2725: SPEAKER, 4001:    SUBSTRATE, 4002: PIXEL PORTION, 4003: SIGNAL LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT,    4004: SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 4005: SEALANT, 4006: SUBSTRATE,    4008: LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER, 4010: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 4011: THIN    FILM TRANSISTOR, 4013: LIQUID CRYSTAL ELEMENT, 4015: CONNECTING    TERMINAL ELECTRODE, 4016: TERMINAL ELECTRODE, 4018: FPC, 4019:    ANISOTROPIC CONDUCTIVE FILM, 4020: INSULATING LAYER, 4021:    INSULATING LAYER, 4030: PIXEL ELECTRODE LAYER, 4031: COUNTER    ELECTRODE LAYER, 4032: INSULATING LAYER, 4033: INSULATING LAYER,    4035: SPACER, 4501: SUBSTRATE, 4502: PIXEL PORTION, 4503 a: SIGNAL    LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 4503 b: SIGNAL LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 4504 a:    SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 4504 b: SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT 4505:    SEALING MATERIAL, 4506: SUBSTRATE, 4507: FILLER, 4509: THIN FILM    TRANSISTOR, 4510: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 4511: LIGHT-EMITTING    ELEMENT, 4512: ELECTRIC FIELD LIGHT-EMITTING LAYER, 4513: ELECTRODE    LAYER, 4515: CONNECTION TERMINAL ELECTRODE, 4516: TERMINAL    ELECTRODE, 4517: ELECTRODE LAYER, 4518 a: FPC, 4518 b: FPC, 4519:    ANISOTROPIC CONDUCTIVE FILM, 4520: PARTITION WALL, 5300: SUBSTRATE,    5301: PIXEL PORTION, 5302: SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 5303: SIGNAL    LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 5400: SUBSTRATE, 5401: PIXEL PORTION, 5402:    SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 5403: SIGNAL LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 5404:    SCAN LINE DRIVER CIRCUIT, 5501: WIRING, 5502: WIRING, 5503: WIRING,    5504: WIRING, 5505: WIRING, 5506: WIRING, 5543: NODE, 5544: NODE,    5571: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5572: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5573: THIN    FILM TRANSISTOR, 5574: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5575: THIN FILM    TRANSISTOR, 5576: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5577: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR,    5578: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5601: DRIVER IC, 5602: SWITCH GROUP,    5603 a: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5603 b: THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5603 c:    THIN FILM TRANSISTOR, 5611: WIRING, 5612: WIRING, 5613: WIRING,    5621: WIRING, 5701: FLIP-FLOP, 5703 a: TIMING, 5703 b: TIMING, 5703    c: TIMING, 5711: WIRING, 5712: WIRING, 5713: WIRING, 5714: WIRING,    5715: WIRING, 5716: WIRING, 5717: WIRING, 5721: SIGNAL, 5803 a:    TIMING, 5803 b: TIMING, 5803 c: TIMING, 5821: SIGNAL, 6400: PIXEL,    6401: SWITCHING TRANSISTOR, 6402: DRIVER TRANSISTOR, 6403:    CAPACITOR, 6404: LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT, 6405: SIGNAL LINE, 6406:    SCAN LINE, 6407: POWER SUPPLY LINE, 6408: COMMON ELECTRODE, 7001:    DRIVER TFT, 7002: LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT, 7003: CATHODE, 7004:    LIGHT-EMITTING LAYER, 7005: ANODE, 7011: DRIVER TFT, 7012:    LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT, 7013: CATHODE, 7014: LIGHT-EMITTING LAYER,    7015: ANODE, 7016: LIGHT-BLOCKING FILM, 7017: CONDUCTIVE FILM, 7021:    DRIVER TFT, 7022: LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT, 7023: CATHODE, 7024:    LIGHT-EMITTING LAYER, 7025: ANODE, 7027: CONDUCTIVE FILM, 9600:    TELEVISION DEVICE, 9601: HOUSING, 9603: DISPLAY PORTION, 9605:    STAND, 9607: DISPLAY PORTION, 9609: OPERATION KEY, 9610: REMOTE    CONTROLLER, 9700: DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME, 9701: HOUSING, 9703: DISPLAY    PORTION, 9881: HOUSING, 9882: DISPLAY PORTION, 9883: DISPLAY    PORTION, 9884: SPEAKER PORTION, 9885: OPERATION KEY, 9886: STORAGE    MEDIUM INSERTING PORTION, 9887: CONNECTION TERMINAL, 9888: SENSOR,    9889: MICROPHONE, 9890: LED LAMP, 9891: HOUSING, 9893: CONNECTOR,    9900: SLOT MACHINE, 9901: HOUSING, AND 9903: DISPLAY PORTION.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a scan lineand a signal line intersecting with each other over a substrate havingan insulating surface; a pixel portion including a pixel electrode and atransistor, wherein the transistor comprises: a gate electrodeelectrically connected to the scan line; a channel formation regionincluding a fourth oxide semiconductor layer; a first wiring layerelectrically connected to the signal line and the fourth oxidesemiconductor layer; and a second wiring layer electrically connected tothe pixel electrode and the fourth oxide semiconductor layer; anon-linear element between the pixel portion and a signal input terminaldisposed at a periphery of the substrate, wherein the non-linear elementcomprises: a gate electrode electrically connected to the scan line orthe signal line; a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode; asecond oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer; a thirdoxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer; a firstconductive layer over the gate insulating layer with the second oxidesemiconductor layer positioned therebetween; a second conductive layerover the gate insulating layer with the third oxide semiconductor layerpositioned therebetween; and a first oxide semiconductor layer incontact with a top surface and a side surface of each of the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the secondconductive layer of the non-linear element is electrically connected tothe gate electrode via a third wiring layer, and wherein a part of thesecond conductive layer is surrounded by the first conductive layer whenseen from above.
 2. A display device according to claim 1, whereinbottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductor layer and the thirdoxide semiconductor layer are in contact with the gate insulating layer,wherein a top surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer is incontact with the first conductive layer, wherein a top surface of thethird oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the second conductivelayer, and wherein an oxygen concentration of the first oxidesemiconductor layer is higher than an oxygen concentration of the secondoxide semiconductor layer.
 3. A display device according to claim 1,wherein a bottom surface bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the second conductive layer, wherein the first oxidesemiconductor layer has an amorphous structure and the second oxidesemiconductor layer includes a nanocrystal in an amorphous structure,and wherein an electrical conductivity of the first oxide semiconductorlayer is lower than an electrical conductivity of the second oxidesemiconductor layer.
 4. A display device according to claim 1, whereinbottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductor layer and the thirdoxide semiconductor layer are in contact with the gate insulating layer,wherein a top surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer is incontact with the first conductive layer, wherein a top surface of thethird oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the second conductivelayer, and wherein the first oxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-excesstype and the second oxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-deficiency type.5. A display device according to claim 1, wherein bottom surfaces of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layerare in contact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface ofthe second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstconductive layer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductorlayer is in contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein thefirst oxide semiconductor layer and the second oxide semiconductor layerinclude indium, gallium, and zinc.
 6. A display device according toclaim 1, wherein the third wiring layer comprises the same material asthe pixel electrode.
 7. A display device according to claim 1, whereinthe display device is incorporated in one selected from the groupconsisting of a poster, an advertisement, an electronic book, atelevision device, a digital photo frame, a game machine and a phone. 8.A display device according to claim 1, wherein bottom surfaces of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layerare in contact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface ofthe second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstconductive layer, and wherein a top surface of the third oxidesemiconductor layer is in contact with the second conductive layer.
 9. Adisplay device according to claim 1, wherein bottom surfaces of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layerare in contact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface ofthe second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstconductive layer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductorlayer is in contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein a sidesurface of the second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with thefirst oxide semiconductor layer.
 10. A display device according to claim1, wherein the first conductive layer includes a U-shaped portion whenseen from above.
 11. A display device comprising: a scan line and asignal line intersecting with each other over a substrate having aninsulating surface; a pixel portion including a pixel electrode and atransistor, wherein the transistor comprises: a gate electrodeelectrically connected to the scan line; a channel formation regionincluding a fourth oxide semiconductor layer; a first wiring layerelectrically connected to the signal line and the fourth oxidesemiconductor layer; and a second wiring layer electrically connected tothe pixel electrode and the fourth oxide semiconductor layer; aprotective circuit including a non-linear element over the substrate andoutside the pixel portion, wherein the protective circuit connects thescan line and a common wiring to each other or connects the signal lineand the common wiring to each other, and wherein the non-linear elementcomprises: a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer covering the gateelectrode; a second oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulatinglayer; a third oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer;a first conductive layer over the gate insulating layer with the secondoxide semiconductor layer positioned therebetween; a second conductivelayer over the gate insulating layer with the third oxide semiconductorlayer positioned therebetween; and a first oxide semiconductor layer incontact with a top surface and a side surface of each of the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the secondconductive layer is electrically connected to the gate electrode of thenon-linear element via a third wiring layer, and wherein a part of thesecond conductive layer is surrounded by the first conductive layer whenseen from above.
 12. A display device according to claim 11, whereinbottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductor layer and the thirdoxide semiconductor layer are in contact with the gate insulating layer,wherein a top surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer is incontact with the first conductive layer, wherein a top surface of thethird oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the second conductivelayer, and wherein an oxygen concentration of the first oxidesemiconductor layer is higher than an oxygen concentration of the secondoxide semiconductor layer.
 13. A display device according to claim 11,wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductor layer and thethird oxide semiconductor layer are in contact with the gate insulatinglayer, wherein a top surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the first conductive layer, wherein a top surface of thethird oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the second conductivelayer, wherein the first oxide semiconductor layer has an amorphousstructure and the second oxide semiconductor layer includes ananocrystal in an amorphous structure, and wherein an electricalconductivity of the first oxide semiconductor layer is lower than anelectrical conductivity of the second oxide semiconductor layer.
 14. Adisplay device according to claim 11, wherein bottom surfaces of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layerare in contact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface ofthe second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstconductive layer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductorlayer is in contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein thefirst oxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-excess type and the secondoxide semiconductor layer is oxygen-deficiency type.
 15. A displaydevice according to claim 11, wherein bottom surfaces of the secondoxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein the first oxidesemiconductor layer and the second oxide semiconductor layer includeindium, gallium, and zinc.
 16. A display device according to claim 11,wherein the third wiring layer comprises the same material as the pixelelectrode.
 17. A display device according to claim 11, wherein thedisplay device is incorporated in one selected from the group consistingof a poster, an advertisement, an electronic book, a television device,a digital photo frame, a game machine and a phone.
 18. A display deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, and wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layeris in contact with the second conductive layer.
 19. A display deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein a side surfaceof the second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstoxide semiconductor layer.
 20. A display device according to claim 11,wherein the first conductive layer includes a U-shaped portion when seenfrom above.
 21. A display device comprising: a protective circuitincluding a non-linear element over a substrate, wherein the non-linearelement comprises: a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer coveringthe gate electrode; a second oxide semiconductor layer over the gateinsulating layer; a third oxide semiconductor layer over the gateinsulating layer; a first conductive layer over the gate insulatinglayer with the second oxide semiconductor layer positioned therebetween;a second conductive layer over the gate insulating layer with the thirdoxide semiconductor layer positioned therebetween; and a first oxidesemiconductor layer in contact with a top surface and a side surface ofeach of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer,wherein the second conductive layer is electrically connected to thegate electrode of the non-linear element via a wiring layer, and whereina part of the second conductive layer is surrounded by the firstconductive layer when seen from above.
 22. A display device according toclaim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductorlayer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are in contact with thegate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of the second oxidesemiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductive layer,wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer is incontact with the second conductive layer, and wherein an oxygenconcentration of the first oxide semiconductor layer is higher than anoxygen concentration of the second oxide semiconductor layer.
 23. Adisplay device according to claim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layerare in contact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface ofthe second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstconductive layer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductorlayer is in contact with the second conductive layer, wherein the firstoxide semiconductor layer has an amorphous structure and the secondoxide semiconductor layer includes a nanocrystal in an amorphousstructure, and wherein an electrical conductivity of the first oxidesemiconductor layer is lower than an electrical conductivity of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer.
 24. A display device according toclaim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxide semiconductorlayer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are in contact with thegate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of the second oxidesemiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductive layer,wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer is incontact with the second conductive layer, and wherein the first oxidesemiconductor layer is oxygen-excess type and the second oxidesemiconductor layer is oxygen-deficiency type.
 25. A display deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein the first oxidesemiconductor layer and the second oxide semiconductor layer includeindium, gallium, and zinc.
 26. A display device according to claim 21,wherein the wiring layer comprises the same material as a pixelelectrode.
 27. A display device according to claim 21, wherein thedisplay device is incorporated in one selected from the group consistingof a poster, an advertisement, an electronic book, a television device,a digital photo frame, a game machine and a phone.
 28. A display deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, and wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layeris in contact with the second conductive layer.
 29. A display deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein bottom surfaces of the second oxidesemiconductor layer and the third oxide semiconductor layer are incontact with the gate insulating layer, wherein a top surface of thesecond oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the first conductivelayer, wherein a top surface of the third oxide semiconductor layer isin contact with the second conductive layer, and wherein a side surfaceof the second oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the firstoxide semiconductor layer.
 30. A display device according to claim 21,wherein the first conductive layer includes a U-shaped portion when seenfrom above.